Home » Poems » Sandra Haight » Stepping Through Time

Notes About The Poem

Painting by Sandra M. Haight, of The Hasbrouck House at George Washington's Headquarters, Newburgh, NY, reproduced from a postcard reference. It served as Washington's Headquarters during the last years of the Revolutionary War and was where he signed the Proclamation of Peace in 1783, ending the Revolutionary War.

Stepping Through Time

Stepping Through Time


There on my wall...my painting of his home...
a piece of history from long ago.
I contemplate the image and at once,
as in a foggy dream, he steps outside
into my space, his hand outstretched to mine.
We dance the minuet;  he bows to me
with brocade coat and white cravat of lace;
a tall, impressive man in powdered wig 
and soft, bright twinkle in his eyes of blue.

I wonder if he knows I live within
this town where his headquarters was back then;
how celebrated was his presence here
and how I so admire and studied him,
who spent his time here in my town as our
First President of the United States.
George Washington twirls me around again...
kisses my hand as I with curtsy smile.
And then, at once, he glides back in his home.

I often think if he came back again
how he'd resolve the chaos of our times,
his spirit having witnessed from above
all the disastrous choices leaders made,
and start from fresh with love-of-country heart...
begin again with 'gifts of hindsight' start.


January 23, 2017

Contest: Who Would You Bring Back In A Heartbeat
Sponsor: Caren Krutsinger

historytributeblank verse

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Janis Medders Tobechi

Date: 1/25/2017 2:04:00 AM

I'm sure things would be different if he stepped out and saw me. LOL. An excellent approach to this challenge with which I could do nothing. a 7

Sandra Haight
Date: 1/26/2017 7:32:00 AM

Thank you so much, Janis, for your nice comment and rating. (He would see an accomplished, outstanding retired teacher who is inspiring her readers with her well-written, insightful and powerful poetry!) Hugs, Sandra

Joanna Daniel

Date: 1/24/2017 4:44:00 AM

This is superbly executed, Sandra:) loved your fantasy, a 7 each for your painting and your poem :)

Sandra Haight
Date: 1/26/2017 7:27:00 AM

Thank you so much, Jo, for your kind comment and the 7! Much appreciated. Hugs, Sandra

Joseph May

Date: 1/23/2017 9:37:00 PM

Your art and poem merge beautifully in this awesome write Sandra...

Sandra Haight
Date: 1/26/2017 7:26:00 AM

Thank you so much, Joseph. Sandra

Charlie Smith

Date: 1/23/2017 9:21:00 PM

Excellent entry Sandra, lovely painting also. Congratulations for both...

Sandra Haight
Date: 1/26/2017 7:26:00 AM

Thank you very much, Charlie. Sandra

Winged Warrior

Date: 1/23/2017 7:07:00 PM

Enchanted time Sandra...and great painting...a winner my friend for me...would have taken this one on, but have two left feet for dancing lol...god bless...^WW^

Sandra Haight
Date: 1/26/2017 7:25:00 AM

Thank you so much, Winged Warrior, for you uplifting comments. Sandra