by Whitman · Cluster: Self-Knowledge · Immortality · Self-Reliance
Abstract
A free-verse lyric contrasting a rich man’s bequests with the poet’s legacy of war remembrances bound in songs; themes of mortality, memory and the book.
Connections
Motifs: Memory, Book Reading, Money and Gold Themes & Concepts: Mortality, War and its Cost
Testo integrale / Full text
Cluster: SONGS OF PARTING
The business man the acquirer vast, After assiduous years surveying results, preparing for departure, Devises houses and lands to his children, bequeaths stocks, goods, funds for a school or hospital, Leaves money to certain companions to buy tokens, souvenirs of gems and gold.
But I, my life surveying, closing, With nothing to show to devise from its idle years, Nor houses nor lands, nor tokens of gems or gold for my friends, Yet certain remembrances of the war for you, and after you, And little souvenirs of camps and soldiers, with my love, I bind together and bequeath in this bundle of songs.