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Leaves of Grass (1891-92)
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THANKS IN OLD AGE.
Thanks in old age—thanks ere I go, |
For health, the midday sun, the impalpable air—for life, mere
life,
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For precious ever-lingering memories, (of you my mother dear
—you, father—you, brothers, sisters, friends,)
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For all my days—not those of peace alone—the days of war the
same,
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For gentle words, caresses, gifts from foreign lands, |
For shelter, wine and meat—for sweet appreciation, |
(You distant, dim unknown—or young or old—countless, un-
specified, readers belov'd,
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We never met, and ne'er shall meet—and yet our souls embrace,
long, close and long;)
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For beings, groups, love, deeds, words, books—for colors, forms, |
For all the brave strong men—devoted, hardy men—who've for-
ward sprung in freedom's help, all years, all lands,
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For braver, stronger, more devoted men—(a special laurel ere I
go, to life's war's chosen ones,
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The cannoneers of song and thought—the great artillerists—the
foremost leaders, captains of the soul:)
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As soldier from an ended war return'd—As traveler out of
myriads, to the long procession retrospective,
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Thanks—joyful thanks!—a soldier's, traveler's thanks. |
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