Sandra Haight Poet Blank verse

Notes About The Poem

For The Premiere Contest, "Your City"
Sponsor, Christopher Delegans

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

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 a brocade coat and white cravat of lace-
tall, impressive man with a powdered wig, 
a soft, bright twinkle in his dark blue eyes.

I wonder if he knows I live within
this town, where his headquarters were back then;
how celebrated was his presence here,
and how I now admire and study 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 a curtsy, smile.
And then, at once, he glides back to 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.

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Janis Medders Tobechi January 25, 2017 at 2:04 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 January 26, 2017 at 7:32 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 January 24, 2017 at 4:44 AM This is superbly executed, Sandra:) loved your fantasy, a 7 each for your painting and your poem :) Sandra Haight January 26, 2017 at 7:27 AM Thank you so much, Jo, for your kind comment and the 7! Much appreciated. Hugs, Sandra

Joseph May January 23, 2017 at 9:37 PM Your art and poem merge beautifully in this awesome write Sandra... Sandra Haight January 26, 2017 at 7:26 AM Thank you so much, Joseph. Sandra

Charlie Smith January 23, 2017 at 9:21 PM Excellent entry Sandra, lovely painting also. Congratulations for both... Sandra Haight January 26, 2017 at 7:26 AM Thank you very much, Charlie. Sandra

Winged Warrior January 23, 2017 at 7:07 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 January 26, 2017 at 7:25 AM Thank you so much, Winged Warrior, for you uplifting comments. Sandra

Daniel Turner January 23, 2017 at 6:07 PM Basking in the glow of your charm, no doubt. I love your fantasy, Mrs Sandra. I wonder what he would think if he could see us today. Sandra Haight January 26, 2017 at 7:25 AM Thank you so much for your nice comment, Daniel. I would hope he'd be proud of all the good things ;) Sandra