by Whitman · Cluster: War and its Cost · American Civil War · Battlefield
Abstract
Over a funeral service the poet hears interpolated the sudden sounds of Civil War battle, the clamor of arms and cavalry breaking into the solemn rite.
Connections
Motifs: Death, Swords and Weapons, Music and Song Themes & Concepts: War and its Cost Forms & Genres: Free Verse Historical References: American Civil War Settings: Battlefield
Testo integrale / Full text
Cluster: GOOD-BYE MY FANCY
Over and through the burial chant,
Organ and solemn service, sermon, bending priests,
To me come interpolation sounds not in the show—plainly to me,
crowding up the aisle and from the window,
Of sudden battle’s hurry and harsh noises—war’s grim game to sight
and ear in earnest;
The scout call’d up and forward—the general mounted and his aides
around him—the new-brought word—the instantaneous order issued;
The rifle crack—the cannon thud—the rushing forth of men from their
tents;
The clank of cavalry—the strange celerity of forming ranks—the
slender bugle note;
The sound of horses’ hoofs departing—saddles, arms, accoutrements.