Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By WaltWhitman375 A Sight in Camp in the Day-Break Gray and Dim
A
As from my tent I emerge so early sleepless,
As slow I walk in the cool fresh air the path near by the hospital tent,
Three forms I see on stretchers lying, brought out there untended lying,
Over each the blanket spread, ample brownish woolen blanket,
Gray and heavy blanket, folding, covering all.
Then with light fingers I from the face of the nearest, the first, just lift the blanket;
Who are you, elderly man so gaunt and grim, with well-grayed hair, and flesh all sunken about the eyes?
Who are you, my dear comrade?
Who are you, sweet boy with cheeks yet blooming?
Young man, I think I know you—I think this face is the face of the Christ himself,
Dead and divine and brother of all, and here again he lies.