I am a man

a patriot

with many thoughts

of defeat.

I am a man

commanding

I am cold

frustrated

satiated

I have a decision

to make

Do I retreat?

I pray

that the snow and ice

will not stop me

from a victory.

I am a man

leading men

across the river

to a battle.

I am a man

with the plan

into Durham boats

on Christmas night

I have my spies

the expectations.

I am a man

directing

yelling

on the Hessians

adrenaline

moments of apprehension

smoke filled acrid air

capture

so much death

victory.

I am a man,

I am a man.

I am a man

a patriot

with many thoughts

of home.

I am a man

taking orders

I am freezing

depressed

famished

I have a decision

to make

Do I desert?

I pray

that the frozen ground

will not take me

for I am only flesh.

I am a man

following a man

across the river

into a battle.

I am a man

following the plan

into the snow covered Delaware River

on Christmas night

I wish I knew

the surprise.

I am a man

loading, priming

firing

on humanity

pumping

frightening

bloody, crimson stains

release

death

victory.

I was a man,

No summer soldier.