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A funny poem from our vast
collection of 100000 poems by famous and less famous
poets - enjoy! The Centerarian's Story Part 6
<< A Poem by Walt Whitman >>
And is this the ground Washington trod? And these waters I listlessly daily cross, are these the waters he cross'd, As resolute in defeat, as other generals in their proudest triumphs?
It is well--a lesson like that, always comes good; I must copy the story, and send it eastward and westward; I must preserve that look, as it beam'd on you, rivers of Brooklyn.
See! as the annual round returns, the phantoms return; It is the 27th of August, and the British have landed; The battle begins, and goes against us--behold! through the smoke, Washington's face; The brigade of Virginia and Maryland have march'd forth to intercept the enemy; They are cut off--murderous artillery from the hills plays upon them; Rank after rank falls, while over them silently droops the flag, Baptized that day in many a young man's bloody wounds, In death, defeat, and sisters', mothers' tears.
Ah, hills and slopes of Brooklyn! I perceive you are more valuable than your owners supposed; Ah, river! henceforth you will be illumin'd to me at sunrise with something besides the sun.
Encampments new! in the midst of you stands an encampment very old; Stands forever the camp of the dead brigade.
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