In Former Songs

Walt Whitman


   IN former songs Pride have I sung, and Love, and passionate, joyful
         Life,
   But here I twine the strands of Patriotism and Death.

   And now, Life, Pride, Love, Patriotism and Death,
   To you, O FREEDOM, purport of all!
   (You that elude me most--refusing to be caught in songs of mine,)
   I offer all to you.


   'Tis not for nothing, Death,
   I sound out you, and words of you, with daring tone--embodying you,
   In my new Democratic chants--keeping you for a close,
   For last impregnable retreat--a citadel and tower,                 10
   For my last stand--my pealing, final cry.

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