A family from Danvers, that was very poor
Produced a child, that someday would soar
He would not receive, much formal learning
But his lust for life, and business kept burning
His mind was destined, to make dollars and cents
He did this better, than most other gents
When at war, and tensions were churning
He was a soldier, as Washington was burning
He left very young, from his native land
But he never forgot, to lend a hand
Whether it was helping the South, after the war
Or the working class heroes, and London’s poor
He always gave, of himself and his wealth
Even in the end, in his failing health
He offered to helped, when Sir Franklin was lost
When money was tight, he helped with the cost
He did it all, with great dignity
even the Queen said, he had integrity
He was offered a barony, to be knighted and more
He respectfully declined; he was American to the core
He did not get, the recognition he deserved
But his legacy left, is still preserved
They re-named his hometown, after his name
A feat that not many, others can claim
His funeral was attended, by thousands of men
One prince, an admiral, and those with pen
Whether a statue or picture, or even a bust
His name will not fade, nor tarnish or nor rust
He helped fund institutes, libraries and schools
He knew without education, one could be a fool
His deeds are long, and too many to list
I hope that you now, get the gist
And in the end, what he said of education
It is a debt we owe, the future generation
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