by Whitman · Cluster: Nationalism and Patriotism · Democracy · Liberty Political Freedom
Abstract
A free-verse apostrophe to the American flag prophesying its supremacy over the flags of kings; themes of patriotism, democracy and the flag of man.
Connections
Motifs: Crown, Stars Themes & Concepts: Nationalism and Patriotism, Democracy, War and its Cost
Testo integrale / Full text
Cluster: FROM NOON TO STARRY NIGHT
Thick-sprinkled bunting! flag of stars! Long yet your road, fateful flag—long yet your road, and lined with bloody death, For the prize I see at issue at last is the world, All its ships and shores I see interwoven with your threads greedy banner; Dream’d again the flags of kings, highest borne to flaunt unrival’d? O hasten flag of man—O with sure and steady step, passing highest flags of kings, Walk supreme to the heavens mighty symbol—run up above them all, Flag of stars! thick-sprinkled bunting!