On July 10, 1876, Walt Whitman published A Death-Sonnet for Custer in the New York Tribune. Yeah, I know. Here it is: =================================================== A DEATH-SONNET FOR CUSTER. ——— BY WALT WHITMAN. I. From far Montanas cañons, Lands of the wild ravine, the dusky Sioux, the lone- some stretch, the silence, Haply, to-day, a mournful wail—haply, a trumpet note for heroes. II. The battle-bulletin, The Indian ambuscade—the slaughter and environ- ment The cavalry companies fighting to the last—in stern- est, coolest, heroism. The fall of Custer, and all his officers and men. III. Continues yet the old, old legend of our race! The loftiest of life upheld by death! The ancient banner perfectly maintained! (O lesson opportune—O how I welcome thee!) As, sitting in dark days, Lone, sulky, through the times thick murk looking in vain for light, for hope, From unsuspected parts, a fierce and momentary proof, (The sun there at the center, though concealed, Electric life forever at the center,) Breaks forth, a lightning flash. IV. Thou of sunny, flowing hair, in battle, I erewhile saw, with erect head, pressing ever in front, bearing a bright sword in thy hand, Now ending well the splendid fever of thy deeds, (I bring no dirge for it or thee—I bring a glad, tri- umphal sonnet;) There in the far northwest, in struggle, charge, and saber-smite, Desperate and glorious—aye, in defeat most desper- ate, most glorious, After thy many battles, in which, never yielding up a gun or a color, Leaving behind thee a memory sweet to soldiers, Thou yieldest up thyself.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 15:54:29 +0000
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