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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A GRAVE NEAR PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: HEAD-BOARD AND FOOT-BOARD DULY PLACED
Last Line: THE -- BURIED GUN.
Subject(s): AMERICAN CIVIL WAR; GRAVES; GUNS; U.S. - HISTORY; TOMBS; TOMBSTONES;

Head-board and foot-board duly placed --
Grassed is the mound between;
Daniel Drouth is the slumberer's name --
Long may his grave be green!

Quick was his way -- a flash and a blow,
Full of his fire was he --
A fire of hell -- 'tis burnt out now --
Green may his grave long be!

May his grave be green, though he
Was a rebel of iron mould;
Many a true heart -- true to the Cause,
Through the blaze of his wrath lies cold.

May his grave be green -- still green
While happy years shall run;
May none come nigh to disinter
The -- Buried Gun.



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