by Whitman · Cluster: Journey · Ship
Abstract
The poet declares himself more charged than pilot or pathfinder with composing a battle-call march for the States, years and centuries hence; the poet-as-prophet of the nation.
Connections
Topoi: Poet as Prophet, Immortality Through Verse Motifs: Ship, Journey Themes & Concepts: Nationalism and Patriotism
Testo integrale / Full text
Cluster: DRUM-TAPS
Not the pilot has charged himself to bring his ship into port, though beaten back and many times baffled; Not the pathfinder penetrating inland weary and long, By deserts parch’d, snows chill’d, rivers wet, perseveres till he reaches his destination, More than I have charged myself, heeded or unheeded, to compose march for these States, For a battle-call, rousing to arms if need be, years, centuries hence.