[18] With music strong I come, with my cornets and my drums (from Song of Myself)
by Walt WhitmanOriginal Language English
With music strong I come, with my cornets and my drums,
I play not marches for accepted victors only, I play marches for conquered and slain persons.
Have you heard that it was good to gain the day?
I also say it is good to fall, battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.
I beat and pound for the dead,
I blow through my embouchures my loudest and gayest for them.
Vivas to those who have failed!
And to those whose war vessels sank in the sea!
And to those themselves who sank in the sea!
And to all generals that lost engagements, and all overcome heroes!
And the numberless unknown heroes equal to the greatest heroes known!
 | -- from Song of Myself, by Walt Whitman |
<<Previous Poem | More Poems by Walt Whitman | Next Poem >>
View All Poems by Walt Whitman
Recommended Books: Walt Whitman
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
| The Longing in Between: Sacred Poetry from Around the World (A Poetry Chaikhana Anthology) | The Oxford Book of Mystical Verse | Song of Myself | Leaves of Grass | Dead Poets Society (DVD) |
