Soldiers Shaving

This poem is an excerpt from my chapbook "Revolutionary Verse", a free download, or if you prefer a printed copy, buy direct, click here.

Poem inspired by the General Washington addresses about beard and cleanliness in the ranks of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, April, 1778:
“Slovenliness and unsoldierly neglect in other respects ought rather to excite each man to compensate those blemishes by redoubled attention to the means which he has in his power; For instance, the soldier may always shave his beard, appear with clean hands and face & in general have an air of neatness which will be conspicuous under all disadvantages.”

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-14-02-0402

 

 Soldiers Shaving

On the Twelfth Day, Shaving Must Be Clear

Clean-shaven soldiers, neatness held as pride,

No whisker dared to tarnish ranks' esteem,

In Washington's command, no beards abide.

 

The frontier harsh, yet razors still applied,

Through diaries and orders, clear the theme,

Clean-shaven soldiers, neatness held as pride.

 

No stubble left for fashion to provide,

A shadowed cheek disrupts the proper scheme,

In Washington's command, no beards abide.

 

Through discipline, such blemishes denied,

A soldier's honor bound to shave supreme,

Clean-shaven soldiers, neatness held as pride.

 

With razor’s stroke, their dignity implied,

Their duty sharp, their ranks a polished dream,

In Washington's command, no beards abide.

 

To stray from this, their punishment supplied,

For slovenly neglect, provisions deem,

Clean-shaven soldiers, neatness held as pride,

 In Washington's command, no beards abide.

 

Join us in celebrating the spirit of the American Revolution with "Revolutionary Verse." Whether you're a history enthusiast, a poetry lover, or simply someone who appreciates the sacrifices made for freedom, this chapbook is a must-read. Experience the power of verse to connect us with our heritage and inspire us for the future.

This “Chapbook” is a free PDF download, or hardcopy can be purchased and mailed to you.  

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ISBN 978-1-300-33836-9

(Soft Cover Perfect Bound)