A rather special poem
I found this poem during the week and it has not been mentioned anywhere on this site that I can find, and I think it is particularly clever and worth sharing (and likely to be of some interest to a certain type of puzzle enthusiast).
A couple of requests though...
- Do not perform an internet search as there are articles which explain why this poem is so brilliant.
- I will give the name of the author (it was a long time ago) in a spoiler at the end, but again, please do not search it up as this will ruin the satisfaction of solving the puzzle for yourself.
- Of course, I have no idea who uses internet searches, so I will take the word of any solver on trust.
The poem is written about a painting from 1851.
Washington crossing the Delaware
A hard, howling, tossing water scene.
Strong tide was washing hero clean.
"How cold!" Weather stings as in anger.
O Silent night shows war ace danger!
The cold waters swashing on in rage.
Redcoats warn slow his hint engage.
When star general's action wish'd "Go!"
He saw his ragged continentals row.
Ah, he stands – sailor crew went going.
And so this general watches rowing.
He hastens – winter again grows cold.
A wet crew gain Hessian stronghold.
George can't lose war with's hands in;
He's astern – so go alight, crew, and win!
Question: What is special/unusual about this poem?
Author and year:
David Shulman, 1936