BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 10:43 PM

Thank you, very much. Always loved Whitman. RIP Senator Wellstone.

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 10:30 PM

All good advice McGrath. Like I said, these are all powerful emotions--my own grief, their own, I don't know really. All I can do is guess, knowing I may never be right. The desire to "unmask" someone perceives as one's opponent? Or unmask the unknown/anonymous intruder? To unmask my supposed identity and agenda, as Lepus Rex suggests? I don't understand the obsession of wanting to unmask a person's identity and/or agenda online, where most of us are strangers and will remain so, no matter how familiar we might be in the forum.

Sure a few people here have met one another, but really, how much does any of us ever know about another person, even our most intimate loved ones are a mystery to us. We are mysteries to ourselves.
The process of masking and unmasking ourselves, one another, it goes on and on our whole life long, so I just don't get the obsession with it here. Oh well.

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 07:24 PM

Over here we don't call it Veterans Day, we call it Remembrance Day. A good day to remember all our dead again.

Not a good day to start fights, even when they might have some reason behind them. Not a bad day to try turning the other cheek on, if you g=feel you've been unfairly attacked.

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 02:16 PM

You know Jeri, I completely understand why you felt compelled to join in here. You feel one of your own has been attacked. It is becoming increasingly obvious to me who the Mudcat vets are, and who will stick together with them, right or wrong. Having given a quick read through your and Mary Garvey's and Big Mick's and Amos' and a few other people's posting histories, it looks like you also consider Big Mick to be a friend. I don't begrudge any of you your loyalties at all.

I've got big enough shoulders to take the abuse, so whomever feels the need, go ahead and pile it on. These are powerful, emotional issues for everyone. As one of the people from Minnesota who felt the Wellstone death pretty keenly, I know my feelings are pretty raw.

I can live with vented spleens, and folks coming in to shit on whatever they want to shit on here, including me, Wellstone, whomever and whatever Vietnam Vet related anything if that is what you feel the need to do. For those of you to whom it matters greatly which Sam I Am, and want to get out your anger about whatever is currently pissing you off, go ahead and use me as a punching bag--give it your best shot.

None of the invective will change what's happened to Wellstone, who spit on whom for what reasons, what's been done, said, who got hurt, by whom, in this, that or any other name, here or there, on any given day whether in northern Minnesota in October 2002, or Da Nang in 1967. So have at it.

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 11:50 AM

He's not paranoid. If you think you can post as much as you do without people recognizing the sneering and twisted meanings as being from one singular person, they're probably just not reading the messages. It's funny how you don't post for a while, and all of the sneering writers-of-voluminous-posts with the same favorite words go with you. Even the newly graduated high school students! I don't think you can help it, but it does mean that everything your write ends up being about you and your way of putting people down.

You don't post much on Usenet anymore. The posts I have seen by you are under other names. Wonder why? My guess is that most people quit talking to you. My guess is in real life, they walk the other way when they see you or find some excuse to be elsewhere. The anon thing served, for a while, to avoid that "oh crap, it's HER again" syndrome. Despite what you say you believe, it's not that you aren't part of the crowd or espouse unpopular beliefs. It's because of how you treat people. Unfortunately, you can't help posting and you can't help belittling people and getting into arguments about personalities instead of discussing the subject. You don't have to type a name.

You can't help sneering. It's the person you've made yourself into and it's why everything you touch here turns to shit. It's a shame because you might have some insightful ideas but you never give people a chance to consider the ideas instead of the rudness person presenting them. I used to respect you, but you can't seem to learn not to repeat old mistakes or maybe you thing you're right and the rest of the world is wrong, I don't know. I think the rest of us can learn to just recognise you, consider the source and walk away.

Whatever happened in your life to make you seem to despise people in general, I'm sorry. I can't really get mad at you anymore. I have learned. I can't make people any kinder to you and I certainly can't make you any kinder to people. The only think I can do is not get involved in the abuse and not be the one to start it. If we're nasty with people when they try to post something kind and close to their heart, we're telling them to not bother anymore.

The poem is beautiful.

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 10:19 AM

I'm highly suspicious of anyone who uses their military service as a club to beat down people who disagree with them. It seems to me there are a few of those kinds of people who are well liked and respected Mudcat members. So be it.

I also am highly suspicious of Big Mick in this case because of his tendency to make a fuss about how everyone should be thanking him for his military service in Vietnam, then when Wellstone is killed, makes a fuss about what a great man Paul Wellstone was, and then when a Veteran's Day memorial thread is begun in his honor, doesn't even know enough about Wellstone or veterans groups, to know Wellstone's national reputation among veterans of all wars. And then has the fucking audacity to come into the memorial thread, claiming all kinds of "liberal credentials" and in essence says "how dare you attempt to honor Wellstone of Veteran's Day! Wellstone isn't a vet!"

To me, that shows a real meanness of spirit that veterans I know, most certainly don't share. By contrast, Joe Offer's spirit is the one I am most accustomed to encountering among vets.

What I had to say to Big Mick in the Vet Cop thread stands, and bears repeating in this thread, considering this is what will remain in the archives. Here it is, slightly edited to make it understandable in this context:

* * * * *

Big Mick is a very proud man. I disagree with many here, obviously, that pride is an admirable trait. IMO, in this instance, pride has eclipsed reason in Big Mick's attempt to justify revenge upon someone who dares to disgree with him on the way we honor veterans. One of the many problems I have with that is vengeance has no foresight. Retribution often means that we eventually do to ourselves what we have done unto others.

I understand why certain personality types engage is this behavior. It is because nothing could be more soothing to a man's pride, than the conviction that, in taking vengeance on his so-called "enemies" (in this case anonymous guests) for what he, in his paranoia, believes is an injustice done him, he has simply to retributively exact vengeance in return.

* * * * *

I am the guest who said that. I am the guest who started this thread. I am the guest who started the Courage of Your Convictions thread. I am the guest who started the Kerry Speaks at Wall Veterans Memorial thread. I am the guest who gave copious information on the Wellstone death and the 13 days that followed in a number of Wellstone threads, some started by me, some started by others.

That, Big Mick, is who I am.

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Nov 02 - 08:18 AM

Given the information that has been provided, I stand corrected as to whether a Veterans Day thanks to Senator Wellstone is appropiate. Please accept my apologies for questioning that.

With regard to name dropping, I really don't give a damn whether you think it is or not, Lepus. There is a difference, and it has to do with intent. I don't need the recognition that one would desire from name dropping. I preface my remarks with some background, or with a name, so that the newer Catters will have a context for the remarks.

As to why I go after this supposedly anon Guest, it is quite simple. I don't like bullies. I don't like people who belittle others feelings just because they don't agree that persons politics. And I would have expected that you would look at this in its complete context. I would think you understand that it isn't about this thread, but rather all the threads that have included the bullying and trolling and flaming that this person does. But enough of my motives.

I will restate that I was wrong as to the premise of this thread. I didn't read the opening paragraph closely enough.

GUEST who told me to go to hell. I am operating that you are the same person who uses the moniker of GUEST,L, Peace Matriot, etc. If you are not, would you please drop me a line at [e-mail].? If I have erred, I would like to know it so I can then come back here and apologize appropriately.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: JedMarum
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 10:04 PM

LOL - bravely spoken from the shadows!

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 10:02 PM

Big Mick, go to hell.

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 10:01 PM

Some excerpts from various sites around the net on Wellstone:

Senator Wellstone has been honored and awarded by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Disabled American Veterans, the Minnesota chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Vietnam Veterans of America for his commitment to veterans' issues.

* * * * *

In Minnesota, the 1.9 million member Veterans of Foreign Wars has endorsed none other than that national peacenik, Paul Wellstone. This might seem odd, but while Bush and prominent GOPers are hot to send young men off to be maimed in war, it is Democrats like Wellstone who have emerged as champions of the needs of yesterday's veterans.

Folks like Krugman and Josh Marshall highlighted a while ago the Bushies attempt to keep veterans from finding out about available benefits. Now Bush is threatening to veto the defense bill because it has expanded benefits for disabled veterans. And it is Democrats leading the charge to pass the bill and, if necessary, override Bush's veto.

There's an old harsh joke about the GOP on abortion that they are pro-life until the child is born, after which they are on their own. Similarly, the Bush and the GOP seem to be pro-soldier when sending them off to battle, but when they come back they seem to be on their own.

No wonder peaceniks like Wellstone are getting the endorsements of veterans.

Posted by Nathan at October 08, 2002 02:00 PM

* * * * *

In 1996, Wellstone's opponent, Boschwitz, ran one ad in which Wellstone's face was transposed to the body of a stabbing victim to show he was "soft on crime." In another, Wellstone was accused of burning the flag. Veterans from the VFW and the Disabled Veterans of America and the new-generation Vietnam vets rushed forward to defend him on that. He has a cordial relationship with the veterans, despite his conspicuous past as a antiwar protester while he was a professor. For the vets, it's more important that Wellstone answers their every letter and phone call. Last year, the Vietnam Veterans of America gave him its Legislator of the Year Award.

* * * * *

Paralyzed Veterans of America Honors the Legacy of Senator Paul Wellstone for his Advocacy on Behalf of Veterans

Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN) died Friday, October 25 when his airplane went down in northern Minnesota near the town of Eveleth. Wellstone was travelling with his wife Sheila, daughter Marcia, three campaign staffers and the two pilots. There were no survivors.

Wellstone was first elected to the Senate in 1990. Campaigning as an underdog, he was the only winner on election day to unseat an incumbent. During his two terms in the Senate, he earned the admiration and gratitude of veterans for his work on their behalf.

As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Wellstone helped pass legislation that assisted homeless veterans as well secured compensation for the "atomic veterans" who developed cancers resulting from radiation exposure during their time in the military.

Last June, the "Wellstone Provision" in a supplemental appropriations bill added $417 million for veterans' health care. Wellstone led the charge on this additional funding. When it passed in the Senate, he said: "I am very pleased that we were able to secure this funding to improve VA health care," Wellstone said. "It is a simple question of priorities. We made a promise to the men and women who served our country that we would provide them with high quality health care and decent services. We should not walk away from our promise, and this new funding will undoubtedly improve the quality of care in VA facilities in Minnesota and nationwide."

PVA President Joseph L. Fox, Sr., said: "The passing of Senator Wellstone deprives veterans everywhere of a real ally on Capitol Hill. His concern for the welfare of veterans and people with disabilities was genuine and passionate. We will certainly miss him."

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 09:34 PM

Posted on Tue, Nov. 12, 2002   

MINNESOTA: Veterans honored in state gatherings
Associated Press

Brass bands played patriotic tunes, gun salutes rang out and the state's new political leaders spoke of their commitment to soldiers past and present in events around Minnesota marking Veterans Day.

There were tributes all day Monday — in cemeteries, American Legion halls, community centers, high schools and Army recruiting stations.

At Fort Snelling National Cemetery, a group called Veterans for Peace sounded bells at a morning service.

Taps was played near a flagpole outside an Elk River elementary school. In Hackensack, veterans marched from the Legion Hall to the Veterans Memorial.

At Mesabi East High School in Aurora, students shook hands with World War II veterans and showed off patriotic posters. One read: "Our greatest heroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

Col. Dennis Lord, executive director of the Minnesota National Guard, called on people at a service in New Ulm to keep all soldiers in their thoughts.

"Today is for all veterans — those who have served and those who are serving," he said.

One of the larger commemorations was at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis, where more than 200 veterans listened to U.S. Sen.-elect Norm Coleman and Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty.

Coleman spoke of his predecessor, Sen. Paul Wellstone, who died in late October in a plane crash. Wellstone earned a reputation as a strong advocate for veterans' health issues during his two Senate terms.

"His absence is very evident and very painful. Not everyone that makes the ultimate sacrifice for their country wears a uniform. Veterans Day in Minnesota will never be the same," Coleman said.

"I know that Senator Wellstone was a powerful champion for Minnesota veterans. I shall do my very, very best to carry out that part of his legacy."

About 427,000 veterans live in Minnesota, out of about 25 million living American veterans. In 2001, the federal government spent more than $786 million to serve the Minnesota veterans and their survivors, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Pawlenty said he, too, would "in every way, every day that I possibly can" work to honor the sacrifices of veterans at the state level.

"We need to pass the baton to the next generation so they understand and appreciate that these freedoms and these liberties and these privileges don't just happen by accident, they happen because of generations of individuals, that generations of people answered the call to freedom," Pawlenty said.

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 07:43 PM

You know, maybe Wellstone wasn't a veteran, but didn't he die while in the service of his country? Don't civilians also serve their country at times, even if they happen to be liberal, or even possibly pacifist? Don't people also serve our country by questioning and resisting those in authority who command us to fight?
-Joe Offer, a pacifist veteran-

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 07:37 PM

I think you're being paranoid, Mick. As GUEST pointed out, the poem was posted to "honor Wellstone's work for vets," something he was well known for, at least here, in his home state. What's with this old-time Mudcatter obsession with unmasking "trolls" and their "agendas," anyway? Christ.

And I agree, you don't need to drop names. But you do it, and often. Half of your first post to this thread was a name drop/list of your "liberal qualifications," which I've read before on I don't know how many threads. These aren't necessary; when I see your name on a thread, I don't think, "Oh, this must be important... This guy knows Harkin!" I think of your history here, and your great contributions to hundreds of threads.

So, like, knock it off.

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 08:32 AM

The opening paragraph of the first post states "A copy of the poem was on the Wellstone Wall when I visited, and I thought it appropriate to post as a way to honor Wellstone's work for vets."

Seems pretty simple and straightforward.

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 04:05 AM

Lepus, quit being a jerk. You don't even have a clue what that post was about. First off, the poem is beautiful, and one I first read a long time ago. Second off, I don't need to drop names and that isn't what the post was about. This person is a troll who posts things to get a reaction. If you took a few minutes to investigate, you would find that Senator Wellstone, may he rest in peace, was not a veteran. Then if you would check a few other threads, you would find that this person, using a number of aliases, has an axe to grind with regard to anything that remotely resembles honoring veterans, as she thinks that is advancing an agenda instead of just realizing that it doesn't advance an agenda rather it just says "Thanks". And finally, if you would use your head, you would realize that this person is using the name of one of the most honorable and decent men who ever walked the halls of Congress to advance her own agenda.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 02:07 AM

Why don't you spend a little more time reading the poem, Mick, and a little less time dropping names and playing detective?

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 01:50 AM

So perhaps our multi-named GUEST can explain to us how Veteran's Day applies to Paul Wellstone. And before you ask, I am a liberal Democrat, a union organizer, political activist, and met the Senator on a number of occasions, and know his close friend, Senator Harkin, very well. I give you that info on me so that you will not get blindsided.

So............you (known under a number of names such as Peace Matriot, Guest L, and on and on) who continually espouse that others are "cops".....explain your aim in starting this with this name. Or was it just to incite and cause folks to jump on strings that you are pulling. You are so easy to spot. And so are your motives.

Paul Wellstone..........a real peace, labor, and liberal activist. May he and his family rest in peace.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 01:06 AM

Thank you, very much. Always loved Whitman. RIP Senator Wellstone.

Subject: BS: A Final Vet's Day Thanks to Wellstone
From: GUEST,Minnesota
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 12:52 PM

I did a search for this poem by Walt Whitman in DT & the forum, but it appears no one has ever posted it. A copy of the poem was on the Wellstone Wall when I visited, and I thought it appropriate to post as a way to honor Wellstone's work for vets.

Or those of you who aren't familiar with it, Whitman wrote this poem as an elegy for President Lincoln. Whitman served as a nurse in the Civil War. The poem was originally published in Whitman's 1865 collection of poems, titled 'Drum Taps'. Many of its poems resulted from his years in Washington, D.C., spent as a psychological nurse to sick and wounded soldiers.

Whitman was in his forties when the war began and did not participate as a soldier. Two of Whitman's brothers did, however, join the Union Army. Andrew Jackson Whitman served only briefly but George Washington Whitman fought with the Fifty-first Regiment of New York Volunteers for most of the war. When George was wounded in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, Whitman made the trip to the nation's capital and then to Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahanock River from Fredericksburg to find and care for his brother. George was only slightly wounded, but Walt's errand of mercy would forever change his outlook on the war and life.

To Senator Paul Wellstone, RIP.

When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloomed
by: Walt Whitman

When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom'd,
And the great star early droop'd in the western sky in the night,
I mourn'd, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.

Ever-returning spring, trinity sure to me you bring,
Lilac blooming perennial and drooping star in the west,
And thought of him I love.

2

O powerful western fallen star!
O shades of night -- O moody, tearful night!
O great star disappear'd -- O the black murk that hides the star!
O cruel hands that hold me powerless -- O helpless soul of me!
O harsh surrounding cloud that will not free my soul.

3

In the dooryard fronting an old farm-house near the white-wash'd palings,
Stands the lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
With many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love,
With every leaf a miracle -- and from this bush in the dooryard,
With delicate-color'd blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
A sprig with its flower I break.

4

In the swamp in secluded recesses,
A shy and hidden bird is warbling a song.
Solitary the thrush,
The hermit withdrawn to himself, avoiding the settlements,
Sings by himself a song.

Song of the bleeding throat,
Death's outlet song of life, (for well dear brother I know,
If thou wast not granted to sing, thou would'st surely die.)

5

Over the breast of the spring, the land, amid cities,
Amid lanes and through old woods, where lately the violets peep'd from the ground, spotting the gray debris,
Amid the grass in the fields each side of the lanes, passing the endless grass,
Passing the yellow-spear'd wheat, every grain from its shroud in the dark-brown fields uprisen,
Passing the apple-tree blows of white and pink in the orchards,
Carrying a corpse to where it shall rest in the grave,
Night and day journeys a coffin.

6

Coffin that passes through lanes and streets,
Through day and night with the great cloud darkening the land,
With the pomp of the inloop'd flags with the cities draped in black,
With the show of the States themselves as of crepe-veil'd women standing,
With processions long and winding and the flambeaus of the night,
With the countless torches lit, with the silent sea of faces and the unbared heads,
With the waiting depot, the arriving coffin, and the sombre faces,
With dirges through the night, with the thousand voices rising strong and solemn,
With all the mournful voices of the dirges pour'd around the coffin,
The dim-lit churches and the shuddering organs -- where amid these you journey,
With the tolling bells' perpetual clang,
Here, coffin that slowly passes,
I give you a sprig of lilac.

7

(Nor for you, for one alone,
Blossoms and branches green to coffins all I bring,
For fresh as the morning, thus would I chant a song for you O sane and sacred death.

All over bouquets of roses,
O death, I cover you with roses and early lilies,
But mostly and now the lilac that blooms the first,
Copious I break, I break the sprigs from the bushes,
With loaded arms I come, pouring for you,
For you and the coffins all of you, O death.)

8

O western orb sailing the heaven,
Now I know what you must have meant as a month since I walk'd,
As I walk'd in silence the transparent shadowy night,
As I saw you had something to tell as you bent to me night after night,
As you droop'd from the sky low down as if to my side, (while the other stars all look'd on,)
As we wander'd together the solemn night, (for something I know not what kept me from sleep,)
As the night advanced, and I saw on the rim of the west how full you were of woe,
As I stood on the rising ground in the breeze in the cool transparent night,
As I watch'd where you pass'd and was lost in the netherward black of the night,
As my soul in its trouble dissatisfied sank, as where you sad orb,
Concluded, dropt in the night, and was gone.

9

Sing on there in the swamp,
O singer bashful and tender, I hear your notes, I hear your call,
I hear, I come presently, I understand you,
But a moment I linger, for the lustrous star has detain'd me,
The star my departing comrade holds and detains me.

10

O how shall I warble myself for the dead one there I loved?
And how shall I deck my soul for the large sweet soul that has gone?
And what shall my perfume be for the grave of him I love?

Sea-winds blown from the east and west,
Blown from the Eastern sea and blown from the Western sea, till there on the prairies meeting,
These and with these and the breath of my chant,
I'll perfume the grave of him I love.

11

O what shall I hang on the chamber walls?
And what shall the pictures be that I hang on the walls,
To adorn the burial-house of him I love?

Pictures of growing spring and farms and homes,
With the Fourth-month eve at sundown, and the gray smoke lucid and bright,
With floods of the yellow gold of the gorgeous, indolent, sinking sun, burning, expanding the air,
With the fresh sweet herbage under foot, and the pale green leaves of the trees prolific,
In the distance of the flowing glaze, the breast of the river, with a wind-dapple here and there,
With ranging hills on the banks, with many a line against the sky, and shadows,
And the city at hand with dwellings so dense, and stacks of chimneys,
And all the scenes of life and the workshops, and the workmen homeward returning.

12

Lo, body and soul -- this land,
My own Manhattan with spires, and the sparkling and hurrying tides, and the ships,
The varied and ample land, the South and the North in the light, Ohio's shores and flashing Missouri,
And ever the far-spreading prairies cover'd with grass and corn.

Lo, the most excellent sun so calm and haughty,
The violet and purple morn with just-felt breezes,
The gentle soft-born measureless light,
The miracle spreading bathing all, the fulfill'd noon,
The coming eve delicious, the welcome night and the stars,
Over my cities shining all, enveloping man and land.

13

Sing on, sing on, you gray-brown bird,
Sing from the swamps, the recesses, pour your chant from the bushes,
Limitless out of the dusk, out of the cedars and pines.

Sing on dearest brother, warble your reedy song,
Loud human song, with voice of uttermost woe.

O liquid and free and tender!
O wild and loose to my soul -- O wondrous singer!
You only I hear -- yet the star holds me, (but will soon depart,)
Yet the lilac with mastering odor holds me.

14

Now while I sat in the day and look'd forth,
In the close of the day with its light and the fields of spring, and the farmers preparing their crops,
In the large unconscious scenery of my land with its lakes and forests,
In the heavenly aerial beauty, (after the perturb'd winds and storms,)
Under the arching heavens of the afternoon swift passing, and the voices of children and women,
The many-moving sea-tides, and I saw the ships how they sail'd,
And the summer approaching with richness, and the fields all busy with labor,
And the infinite separate houses, how they all went on, each with its meals and minutia of daily usages,
And the streets how their throbbings throbb'd, and the cities pent -- lo, then and there,
Falling upon them all and among them all, enveloping me with the rest,
Appear'd the cloud, appear'd the long black trail,
And I knew death, its thought, and the sacred knowledge of death.

Then with the knowledge of death as walking one side of me,
And the thought of death close-walking the other side of me,
And I in the middle as with companions, and as holding the hands of companions,
I fled forth to the hiding receiving night that talks not,
Down to the shores of the water, the path by the swamp in the dimness,
To the solemn shadowy cedars and the ghostly pines so still.

And the singer so shy to the rest receiv'd me,
The gray-brown bird I know received us comrades three,
And he sang the carol of death, and a verse for him I love.

From deep secluded recesses,
From the fragrant cedars and the ghostly pines so still,
Came the carol of the bird.

And the charm of the carol rapt me,
As I held as if by their hands my comrades in the night,
And the voice of my spirit tallied the song of the bird.

Come lovely and soothing death,
Undulate round the world, serenely arriving, arriving,
In the day, in the night, to all, to each,
Sooner or later delicate death.

Prais'd be the fathomless universe,
For life and joy, and for objects and knowledge curious,
And for love, sweet love -- but praise! praise! praise!
For the sure-enwinding arms of cool-enfolding death.

Dark mother always gliding near with soft feet,
Have none chanted for thee a chant of fullest welcome?
Then I chant it for thee, I glorify thee above all,
I bring thee a song that when thou must indeed come, come unfalteringly.

Approach strong deliveress,
When it is so, when you have taken them I joyously sing the dead,
Lost in the loving floating ocean of thee,
Laved in the flood of thy bliss, O death.

From me to thee glad serenades,
Dances for thee I propose saluting thee, adornments and feastings for thee,
And the sights of the open landscape and the high-spread sky are fitting,
And life and the fields, and the huge and thoughtful night.

The night in silence under many a star,
The ocean shore and the husky whispering wave whose voice I know,
And the soul turning to thee O vast and well-veil'd death,
And the body gratefully nestling close to thee.

Over the treetops I float thee a song,
Over the rising and sinking waves, over the myriad fields and the prairies wide,
Over the dense-packed cities and all the teeming wharves and ways,
I float this carol with joy, with joy to thee O death.

15

To the tally of my soul,
Loud and strong kept up the gray-brown bird,
With pure deliberate notes spreading filling the night.

Loud in the pines and cedars dim,
Clear in the freshness moist and the swamp-perfume,
And I with my comrades there in the night.

While my sight that was bound in my eyes unclosed,
As to long panoramas of visions.

And I saw askant the armies,
I saw as in noiseless dreams hundreds of battle-flags,
Borne through the smoke of the battles and pierced with missiles I saw them,
And carried hither and yon through the smoke and torn and bloody,
And at last but a few shreds left on the staffs, (all in silence,)
And the staffs all splinter'd and broken.

I saw battle-corpses, myriads of them,
And the white skeletons of young men, I saw them,
I saw the debris and debris of all the dead soldiers of the war,
But I saw they were not as was thought,
They themselves were fully at rest, they suffer'd not,
The living remain'd and suffer'd, the mother suffer'd,
And the wife and the child and the musing comrade suffer'd,
And the armies that remain'd suffer'd.

16

Passing the visions, passing the night,
Passing, unloosing the hold of my comrades' hands,
Passing the song of the hermit bird and the tallying song of my soul,
Victorious song, death's outlet song, yet varying ever-altering song,
As low and wailing, yet clear the notes, rising and falling, flooding the night,
Sadly sinking and fainting, as warning and warning, and yet again bursting with joy,
Covering the earth and filling the spread of the heaven,
As that powerful psalm in the night I heard from recesses,
Passing, I leave thee lilac with heart-shaped leaves,
I leave thee there in the door-yard, blooming, returning with spring.

I cease from my song for thee,
From my gaze on thee in the west, fronting the west, communing with thee,
O comrade lustrous with silver face in the night.

Yet each to keep and all, retrievements out of the night,
The song, the wondrous chant of the gray-brown bird,
And the tallying chant, the echo arous'd in my soul,
With the lustrous and drooping star with the countenance full of woe,
With the holders holding my hand nearing the call of the bird,
Comrades mine and I in the midst, and their memory ever to keep for the dead I loved so well,
For the sweetest, wisest soul of all my days and lands -- and this for his dear sake,
Lilac and star and bird twined with the chant of my soul,
There in the fragrant pines and the cedars dusk and dim.