January 2004  

First in War    © by    Jerome Norris
 

A teacher, long ago, suggested that
some twice-told tales are mere confabulations.
Historical accounts are filled with fat
to puff up famous figures’ reputations.
She cited, as a sample of such stories,
George Washington’s alleged impressive feat:
It’s said that he once threw a silver dollar
across the vast Potomac River. Neat!
(Except that it’s about 300 yards—
a toss that Barry Bonds would find too hard.)

Still, I believe our famous Founding Father,
whose arm, no doubt, was strong as arms can be
could just haul off and fling that doggone dollar
from D.C. to Virginia—easily!
(Historical research supports my praise:
A dollar went much farther in those days!)

Previously published in the North Carolina Poetry Society's
Pinesong: Awards 2003. Used with the poet's permission.
NOTICE: The poem on this page is copyright © by the poet.