FEINBERG/WHITMAN LITERARY FILE POETRY FILE "Thanks in Old Age" (1888). Printed copy -- The Republican, Box 29 Folder 38 June 24, 1887. Includes A. MS. notation.The Republican. THANKS IN OLD AGE. [*Nov 24 '87*] Thanks in old age—thanks ere I go, For health, the midday sun, the unpalpable air, for life, mere life, For precious, ever-lingering memories (of you, my mother dear,—you, father—you, brothers, sisters, friends,) For all my days—not those of peace alone—the days of war the same, 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, unspecified, beloved, We never met, and ne'er shall meet—and yet our souls embrace, long, close and long;) For beings, groups, love, deeds, words, books—for colors, forms, For all the brave strong men—devoted, hardy men —who've forward sprang in freedom's help, all years, all lands. For braver, stronger, more devoted men—(a special laurel ere I go to life's war's chosen ones, The cannoneers of song and thought—the great artillerymen—the foremost leaders, captains of the soul;) As soldier from an ended war returned—As traveler out of myriads, to the long procession retrospective, Thanks—joyful thanks !—a soldier's, traveler's thanks ! Camden, N. J. WALT WHITMAN.