With youthful fire and soldier's heart ablaze,
Zebulon Pike strode forth on untamed ways.
At fifteen donned the uniform of war,
His spirit bold, forevermore to soar.
The Mississippi's call, a ribbon vast and wide,
He led his men, with winter as their guide.
A keelboat small, their vessel in the flow,
Through icy grip, their fortitude did grow.
Pikes Peak arose, a challenge etched in white,
A summit grand, to conquer day and night.
Thin cotton clothes, against the mountain's might,
They battled snow, the elements to fight.
Lost in the wilds, a trespass unforeseen,
By Spanish hands, his capture intervened.
A daring plan, within his mind was spun,
To use his plight, explore the land he'd won.
From Santa Fe to Chihuahua's dusty hold,
A captive's gaze, the story will unfold.
Released at last, with maps and knowledge gained,
A spy's success, though danger still remained.
The War of 1812, a call to arms anew,
Promoted now, a brigadier, bold and true.
Yet fate's cruel hand, a twist it did impart,
In Toronto's fight, a hero's valiant heart.
At thirty-four, his life cut short and stark,
A legacy etched, upon the boundless dark.
The western trails, his footsteps carved the way,
Zebulon Pike, a legend born this day.
Pikes Peak stands tall, a monument of stone,
A silent witness, to battles fought alone.
The Mississippi whispers tales of winter's hold,
And Spanish soil remembers stories so bold.
History will remember this explorer bold,
Whose spirit dared, the unknown to behold.
Though cannons roared, and battles claimed their due,
Zebulon Pike, forever etched in blue.