Thanks in old age--thanks ere I go,

For health, the midday sun, the impalpable 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,

readers belov'd,

We never met, and neer 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

sprung 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 artillerists--the

foremost leaders, captains of the soul:)

As soldier from an ended war return'd--As traveler out of myriads,

to the long procession retrospective,

Thanks--joyful thanks!--a soldier's, traveler's thanks.