Poem by Walt Whitman

Leaves of Grass. 21. Drum-Taps. 18. As Toilsome I Wander'd Virginia's Woods

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
      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.

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, abrupt, 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.

1. Leaves of Grass. 24. Autumn Rivulets. 35. Italian Music in Dakota
2. Leaves of Grass. 33. Songs of Parting. 14. Portals
3. Leaves of Grass. 24. Autumn Rivulets. 38. The Prairie States
4. Leaves of Grass. 35. Good-Bye My Fancy. 17. A Christmas Greeting
5. Leaves of Grass. 34. Sands at Seventy. Fancies at Navesink. 6. Proudly the Flood Comes In

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