by Whitman · Cluster: Identity · Free Verse · Eternal Return

Abstract

Brief martial allegory: to a besieged place the poet sends an immortal commander with artillery; war imagery, the poet-hero, weapons.

Connections

Topoi: Poet as Prophet Archetypes: Hero Motifs: Swords and Weapons Forms & Genres: Free Verse Settings: Battlefield

Testo integrale / Full text

Cluster: INSCRIPTIONS

What place is besieged, and vainly tries to raise the siege?
Lo, I send to that place a commander, swift, brave, immortal,
And with him horse and foot, and parks of artillery,
And artillery-men, the deadliest that ever fired gun.