A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Dim by Walt Whitman (1862)

Veteran's Day is on the historic day that World War I ended. The 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour and the 11th minute. It was thought to be the war to end all wars, but that was soon proven wrong. As someone who has provided health care to veterans of WWI and all American conflicts and wars since, I remember the consequences of waroften, if not daily, and today I choose a Walt Whitman poem about veterans of the Civil War, inspired by visiting a hospital with casualties in Virginia. A Sight in Camp in the Daybreak Gray and Dim A sight in camp in the daybreak gray and dim, 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. Curious I halt and silent stand, 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-gray'd hair, and flesh all sunken about the eyes? Who are you my dear comrade? Then to the second I step—and who are you my child and darling? Who are you sweet boy with cheeks yet blooming? Then to the third—a face nor child nor old, very calm, as of beautiful yellow-white ivory; 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.