Leaves of Grass (1871-72)


contents   |  previous   |  next
 



 

AS TOILSOME I WANDER'D VIRGINIA'S WOODS.


1  AS TOILSOME I wander'd Virginia's woods,
To the music of rustling leaves, kick'd by my feet, (for
         'twas autumn,)
I mark'd at the foot of a tree the grave of a soldier,
Mortally wounded he, and buried on the retreat, (easily
         all could I understand;
The halt of a mid-day hour, when up! no time to lose
         —yet this sign left,
On a tablet scrawl'd and nail'd on the tree by the grave,
Bold, cautious, true, and my loving comrade .

2  Long, long I muse, then on my way go wandering;
Many a changeful season to follow, and many a scene
         of life;
Yet at times through changeful season and scene, ab-
         rupt, alone, or in the crowded street,
Comes before me the unknown soldier's grave—comes
         the inscription rude in Virginia's woods,
Bold, cautious, true, and my loving comrade .
 
 
 
 
contents   |  previous   |  next