Walt Whitman

Sorry for the delay in posting today's picture. I had a white fly infestation out in the Bean Barn, so had to run to town to get some neem oil to try and kill it back before the cucumbers were ruined.

Today's picture is of Walt Whitman. The picture was taken in 1879. He is sporting his trademark beard in the picture. Whitman was a poet, and one of the poems he is remembered for is "Beat! Beat! Drums!". To be honest with you, I don't get it.

BEAT ! BEAT ! DRUMS !

BY WALT WHITMAN.

BEAT ! beat ! drums!—Blow ! bugles ! blow !

Through the windows—through doors—burst like a force of armed men,

Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation; Into the school where the scholar is studying;

Leave not the bridegroom quiet—no happiness must he have now with his bride;

Nor the peaceful farmer any peace plowing his field or gathering his grain ;

So fierce you whirr and pound, you drums—so shrill you bugles blow.

Beat ! beat ! drums ! Blow ! bugles ! blow !

Over the traffic of cities—over the rumble of wheels in the streets;

Are beds prepared for sleepers at night in the houses? No sleepers must sleep in those beds;

No bargainers' bargains by day—no brokers or speculators. Would they continue ?

Would the talkers be talking? would the singer attempt to sing?

Would the lawyer rise in the court to state his case before the judge?

Then rattle quicker, heavier drums-and bugles wilder blow.

Beat ! beat! drums ! Blow ! bugles! blow!

Make no parley—stop for no expostulation;

Mind not the timid—mind not the weeper or prayer; Mind not the old man beseeching the young man;

Let not the child's voice be heard, nor the mother's entreaties. Recruit! recruit!

Make the very trestles shake under the dead, where they lie in their shrouds awaiting the hearses.

So strong you thump, O terrible drums—so loud you bugles blow.