Now THIS is wordplay!

[Brian Phillips <hagar@mindspring.net>]

Here is a sonnet published in 1936 by David Shulman: 
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 general's star 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!"