Camden Annotation

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 for young or old countless, un-
specified, readers belovd,
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 whove for-
ward sprung in freedoms help, all years, all lands,
For braver, stronger, more devoted men (a special laurel ere I
go, to lifes wars chosen ones,
The cannoneers of song and thought the great artillerists the
foremost leaders, captains of the soul:)
As soldier from an ended war returnd As traveler out of
myriads, to the long procession retrospective,
Thanks joyful thanks ! a soldiers, travelers thanks.