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‘BORNE ON THE NIGHT-
WIND OF THE PAST’
The Tutor’s Tale
Driving out to tutor a student
about the American Revolution,
I suddenly pass the spot where Revere was
arrested, and, utterly unnerved, consider
stopping for a cold one at Hartwell’s Tavern,
instead speeding on down the Battle Road, ambushed
only by reveries of Red Coats
rushing by, fortunately remembering
to duck at Merriam’s Corner, before cruising on
into Concord Town, where I scan the horizon
for Liberty Lane, which I did find climbing
its way up to Esterbrook Woods, abreast of
the old North Bridge, crouching
below on the bank to my right, unsubdued
even by a flood of fog, but outflanked by
impatience my eyes swung to
the left, where they captured
the Waiting Field still
patiently waiting, as I pressed on to
meet my charge, arriving to find the battle
not entirely won.
February 5, 2008