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1819–1892

Osceola

Walt Whitman

When his hour for death had come, He slowly rais'd himself from the bed on the floor, Drew on his war-dress, shirt, leggings, and girdled the belt around his waist, Call'd for vermilion paint ( his looking-glass was held before him,)

Painted half his face and neck, his wrists, and back-hands. Put the scalp-knife carefully in his belt — then lying down, resting moment, Rose again, half sitting, smiled, gave in silence his extended hand to each and all, Sank faintly low to the floor ( tightly grasping the tomahawk handle,)

Fix'd his look on wife and little children — the last: ( And here a line in memory of his name and death. )

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Osceola · Walt Whitman · Poetry Cove