Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN FORMER SONGS by WALT WHITMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN FORMER SONGS PRIDE HAVE I SUNG, AND LOVE, AND PASSIONATE, JOYFUL LIFE
Last Line: FOR MY LAST STAND -- MY PEALING, FINAL CRY.
Subject(s): OLD AGE;

1

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.

2

'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,
For my last stand -- my pealing, final cry.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net