Hands trembled but their hearts did not <br />On that Independence Day. <br /> <br />When they signed the Declaration <br />Many signed their lives away. <br /> <br />Some signers died in prison <br />Or sank in poverty. <br /> <br />Several closed their eyes on life <br />Before final victory. <br /> <br />One man, Clark, of New Jersey <br />Deserves a special nod. <br /> <br />He suffered much for Liberty <br />At the hands of Howe and God. <br /> <br />His two sons were imprisoned, <br />Floating on the New York tide. <br /> <br />Deprived of food and water <br />What could they do but die. <br /> <br />The British were true devils <br />And said they'd be set free. <br /> <br />If their father would come out for King <br />And recant Libery. <br /> <br />If he betrayed his sacred trust <br />He might well save his sons. <br /> <br />If he recanted they'd be free- <br />What would you have done? <br /> <br />His answer echoes down through time, <br />Their proposal he denied. <br /> <br />Our document was signed in blood and thrones must be defied.<br /><br />John F. McCullagh<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sacred-honor/
