Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VIRGINIA - THE WEST, by WALT WHITMAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VIRGINIA - THE WEST, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The noble sire fallen on evil days
Last Line: For you provided me washington -- and now these also.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Virginia (state); Confederacy


The noble sire fallen on evil days,
I saw with hand uplifted, menacing, brandishing,
(Memories of old in abeyance, love and faith in abeyance,)
The insane knife toward the Mother of All.

The noble son on sinewy feet advancing,
I saw, out of the land of prairies, land of Ohio's waters
and of Indiana,
To the rescue the stalwart giant hurry his plenteous offspring,
Drest in blue, bearing their trusty rifles on their shoulders.

Then the Mother of All with calm voice speaking,
As to you Rebellious, (I seemed to hear her say,) why
strive against me, and why seek my life?
When you yourself forever provide to defend me?
For you provided me Washington -- and now these also.





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