The Ride of Israel Bissell
Yonder comes the messenger
Forging thicket and thistle;
A young postal carrier
Known as Israel Bissell.
It began in Watertown,
This bold tale of derring-do;
Bearing news of Lexington,
He would get the message through.
America’s call to arms
Was his burden to carry.
Because of its importance,
Israel did not tarry.
The lad set out that morning,
Driven like a man possessed,
To alert the colonies
Of America’s unrest.
By noon he’d reached Worchester,
Though his steed did not survive.
A fresh mount and two days more,
In New Haven he arrived.
Every town along the way,
Heard his voice sounding alarms.
Our war of independence
Has begun! To arms! To arms!
He entered New York City
For another two day ride.
Then was on to New Jersey,
Without rest, or break in stride.
On to Philadelphia,
He reached Independence Hall.
Five days would be his journey
In delivering the call.
To arms, he warned the people,
Every American son,
For the British are coming,
And the war has just begun.
So if you can remember,
When a tale, you first did hear,
Of a legendary ride
And a man named Paul Revere;
Perhaps you might consider
How a hero gains his fame.
Sometimes all it comes down to,
Is the more heroic name.
But tales will still be written,
Full of bluster and bristle.
While true heroes go unsung,
Like young Israel Bissell.
Copyright © Mark Spencer | Year Posted 2011
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