Walt Whitman

LEAVES OF GRASS
(1891-92 issue)
complete book, e-book

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The Centenarian's Story

Volunteer of 1861-2, at Washington Park, Brooklyn, assisting the Centenarian.

 Give me your hand old Revolutionary,
 The hill-top is nigh, but a few steps, (make room gentlemen,)
 Up the path you have follow'd me well, spite of your hundred and
 extra years,
 You can walk old man, though your eyes are almost done,
 Your faculties serve you, and presently I must have them serve me.
 
 Rest, while I tell what the crowd around us means,
 On the plain below recruits are drilling and exercising,
 There is the camp, one regiment departs to-morrow,
 Do you hear the officers giving their orders?
 Do you hear the clank of the muskets?
 Why what comes over you now old man?
 Why do you tremble and clutch my hand so convulsively?
 The troops are but drilling, they are yet surrounded with smiles,
 Around them at hand the well-drest friends and the women,
 While splendid and warm the afternoon sun shines down,
 Green the midsummer verdure and fresh blows the dallying breeze,
 O'er proud and peaceful cities and arm of the sea between.
 
 But drill and parade are over, they march back to quarters,
 Only hear that approval of hands! hear what a clapping!
 
 As wending the crowds now part and disperse--but we old man,
 Not for nothing have I brought you hither--we must remain,
 You to speak in your turn, and I to listen and tell.