The Poetry Corner

Adieu To A Solider

By Walt Whitman

Adieu, O soldier! You of the rude campaigning, (which we shared,) The rapid march, the life of the camp, The hot contention of opposing fronts--the long manoeuver, Red battles with their slaughter,--the stimulus--the strong, terrific game, Spell of all brave and manly hearts--the trains of Time through you, and like of you, all fill'd, With war, and war's expression. Adieu, dear comrade! Your mission is fulfill'd--but I, more warlike, Myself, and this contentious soul of mine, Still on our own campaigning bound, Through untried roads, with ambushes, opponents lined, Through many a sharp defeat and many a crisis--often baffled, Here marching, ever marching on, a war fight out--aye here, To fiercer, weightier battles give expression.