William Dawes Sonnet

Forgotten midnight rider, William Dawes,

Fighting for Revolutionary cause.

He and Paul Revere left Boston’s North End,

Revere immortalized but not his friend.

 

Dawes rode by horse through Brookline and Watertown,

A dangerous mission against the Crown.

Carrying message for Adams and Hancock,

Dawes galloped to Lexington against the clock.

 

On guard along the trail were the Redcoats,

Warren’s message warned of King’s troops in boats.

Both men reached Lexington that night, of course,

Revere first, then Dawes on a slower horse.

 

Longfellow’s poem commemorates “Paul Revere’s Ride,”

This sonnet honors the Patriot who rode by his side. 

 

 

 Richard C. Welch, Jr.  

3/5/2021