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.

Added: Feb 7 2004 | Viewed: 2041 times | Comments (0)

Poet: Walt Whitman
Poem: 37. In Former Songs.
Volume: Leaves of Grass
- 22. Gathered Leaves
Year: Published/Written in 1900
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