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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


INTERPOLATION SOUNDS by WALT WHITMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: OVER AND THROUGH THE BURIAL CHANT
Last Line: THE SOUND OF HORSES' HOOFS DEPARTING -- SADDLES, ARMS, ACCOUTREMENTS.
Subject(s): FUNERALS; SHERIDAN, PHILIP HENRY (1831-1888); BURIALS;

Over and through the burial chant,
Organ and solemn service, sermon, bending priests,
To me come interpolation sounds not in the show -- plainly
to me, crowding up the aisle and from the window,
Of sudden battle's hurry and harsh noises -- war's grim
game to sight and ear in earnest;
The scout call'd up and forward -- the general mounted and
his aids around him -- the new-brought word -- the
instantaneous order issued;
The rifle crack -- the cannon thud -- the rushing forth of
men from their tents;
The clank of cavalry -- the strange celerity of forming
ranks -- the slender bugle note;
The sound of horses' hoofs departing -- saddles, arms, accoutrements.



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