Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ADIEU TO A SOLDIER, by WALT WHITMAN



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ADIEU TO A SOLDIER, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Adieu o soldier
Last Line: To fiercer, weightier battles give expression.
Subject(s): Soldiers


Adieu O soldier,
You of the rude campaigning, (which we shared,)
The rapid march, the life of the camp,
The hot contention of opposing fronts, the long manoeuvre,
Red battles with their slaughter, the stimulus, the strong
terrific game,
Spell of all brave and manly hearts, the trains of time
through you and like of you all fill'd,
With war and war's expression.

Adieu dear comrade,
Your mission is fulfill'd -- but I, more warlike,
Myself and this contentious soul of mine,
Still on our own campaigning bound,
Through untried roads with ambushes opponents lined,
Through many a sharp defeat and many a crisis, often baffled,
Here marching, ever marching on, a war fight out -- aye here,
To fiercer, weightier battles give expression.





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