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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MY 71ST YEAR by WALT WHITMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: AFTER SURMOUNTING THREE-SCORE AND TEN
Last Line: REPORTING YET, SALUTING YET THE OFFICER OVER ALL.
Subject(s): OLD AGE;

After surmounting three-score and ten,
With all their chances, changes, losses, sorrows,
My parents' deaths, the vagaries of my life, the many
tearing passions of me, the war of '63 and '4,
As some old broken soldier, after a long, hot, wearying
march, or haply after battle,
To-day at twilight, hobbling, answering company roll-call,
Here, with vital voice,
Reporting yet, saluting yet the Officer over all.



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