Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE RETURNED VOLUNTEER TO HIS RIFLE by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: OVER THIS HEARTH - MY FATHER'S SEAT
Last Line: LONG REST! WITH BELT, AND BAYONET, AND CANTEEN.
Subject(s): AMERICAN CIVIL WAR; CONSOLATION; U.S. - HISTORY; VETERANS;

Over this hearth -- my father's seat --
Repose, to patriot-memory dear,
Thou tried companion, whom at last I greet
By steepy banks of Hudson here.
How oft I told thee of this scene --
The Highlands blue -- the river's narrowing sheen.
Little at Gettysburg we thought
To find such haven; but God kept it green.
Long rest! with belt, and bayonet, and canteen.



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