|
|
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 | |||
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.) | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE OLD INDIAN by ARTHUR STANLEY BOURINOT SCHOLARLY PROCEDURE by JOSEPHINE MILES ONE LAST DRAW OF THE PIPE by PAUL MULDOON THE INDIANS ON ALCATRAZ by PAUL MULDOON PARAGRAPHS: 9 by HAYDEN CARRUTH |
| |