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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
OSCEOLA, by WALT WHITMAN Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: When his hour for death had come
Last Line: (and here a line in memory of his name and death.)
Subject(s): Native Americans; Osceola, Leader Of Seminoles (1804-1838); Social Protest; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America
First Line: When his hour for death had come
Last Line: (and here a line in memory of his name and death.)
Subject(s): Native Americans; Osceola, Leader Of Seminoles (1804-1838); Social Protest; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America
When his hour for death had come,
He slowly rais'd himself from the bed on the floor,
Drew on his war-dress, shirt, leggings, and girdled the
belt around his waist,
Call'd for vermilion paint (his looking-glass was held before him,)
Painted half his face and neck, his wrists, and back-hands,
Put the scalp-knife carefully in his belt -- then lying
down, resting a moment,
Rose again, half sitting, smiled, gave in silence his
extended hand to each and all,
Sank faintly low to the floor (tightly grasping the tomahawk handle,)
Fix'd his look on wife and little children -- the last:
(And here a line in memory of his name and death.)
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