While Not the Past Forgetting
by Walt Whitman
· 1891-1892
Published 01/07/1891
While not the past forgetting,
To-day, at least, contention sunk entire—peace, brotherhood up-risenuprisen;
For sign reciprocal our Northern, Southern hands,
Lay on the graves of all dead soldiers, North or South,
(Nor for the past alone—for meanings to the future,)
Wreaths of roses and branches of palm.