Beat! Beat! Drums!

poem by Whitman

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

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"Beat! Beat! Drums!" is a poem by Walt Whitman that reflects the disillusionment experienced after the Battle of Bull Run during the American Civil War. It is part of his larger collection of poems titled Drum-Taps, published in 1865. This collection captures the evolving mood of the war, moving from initial excitement to a deeper, more somber realization of its significance. The poem, written in free verse, is known for its powerful rhythm and its direct, impactful language.12

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Drum-Taps
…Run is reflected in “Beat! Beat! Drums!” while an understanding of the depth of suffering of the wounded informs “Vigil Strange I Kept on the Field One Night.”
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…Run is reflected in “Beat! Beat! Drums!” while an understanding of the depth of suffering of the wounded informs “Vigil Strange I Kept on the Field One Night.”
Read More