Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN FORMER SONGS, by WALT WHITMAN



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN FORMER SONGS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: In former songs pride have I sung, and love, and passionate, joyful life
Last Line: For my last stand -- my pealing, final cry.
Subject(s): Old Age


1

In former songs Pride have I sung, and Love, and
passionate, joyful Life,
But here I twine the strands of Patriotism and Death.

And now, Life, Pride, Love, Patriotism and Death,
To you, O FREEDOM, purport of all!
(You that elude me most -- refusing to be caught in songs of mine,)
I offer all to you.

2

'Tis not for nothing, Death,
I sound out you, and words of you, with daring tone -- embodying you,
In my new Democratic chants -- keeping you for a close,
For last impregnable retreat -- a citadel and tower,
For my last stand -- my pealing, final cry.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net