1
IN former songs Pride have I sung, and Love, and passionate, joyful Life,
But here I twine the strands of Patriotism and Death.
And now, Life, Pride, Love, Patriotism and Death,
To you, O FREEDOM, purport of all!
(You that elude me most-refusing to be caught in songs of mine,)
I offer all to you.
2
‘Tis not for nothing, Death,
I sound out you, and words of you, with daring tone-embodying you,
In my new Democratic chants-keeping you for a close,
For last impregnable retreat-a citadel and tower,
For my last stand-my pealing, final cry.
(Walt Whitman)
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Based on Topics: Love Poems, Life Poems, Death & Dying Poems, Joy & Excitement Poems, Cry Poems, Pride Poems, Liberty & Freedom Poems, Patriotism PoemsBased on Keywords: elude, purport