Leaves of grass (1872) | ||
12
38
Now of the older war-days, the defeat at Brooklyn,225
His face is cold and damp—he cannot repress the weeping drops,
He lifts the glass perpetually to his eyes—the color is blanch'd from his cheeks,
He sees the slaughter of the southern braves confided to him by their parents.
39
The same, at last and at last, when peace is declared,He stands in the room of the old tavern—the well-belov'd soldiers all pass through,
The officers speechless and slow draw near in their turns,
The chief encircles their necks with his arm, and kisses them on the cheek,
He kisses lightly the wet cheeks one after another—he shakes hands, and bids good-by to the army.
Leaves of grass (1872) | ||