A Meditation (Poems from Battle Pieces)
This collection of poems explores the human cost of war and its impact on individuals and society. It presents a meditation on violence, death, and the dehumanizing effects of conflict. The poems are characterized by their dark and introspective tone, reflecting Melville's critique of modern warfare and its consequences for humanity.
By Herman Melville · First published 1866 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Historical · 643 words
First lines
How often in the years that close, When truce had stilled the sieging gun, The soldiers, mounting on their works, With mutual curious glance have run From face to face along the fronting show, And kinsman spied, or friend-even in a foe.
What thoughts conflicting then were shared, While sacred tenderness perforce Welled from the heart and wet the eye; And something of a strange remorse Rebelled against the sanctioned sin of blood, And Christian wars of natural brotherhood.
What this Textopian page supports
A Meditation (Poems from Battle Pieces) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1866 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Historical, Philosophical, Social Commentary
- Length: 643 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Meditation (Poems from Battle Pieces) by Herman Melville
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Meditation (Poems from Battle Pieces)?
- How does this poem by Herman Melville fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The March Into Virginia Poems From Battle Pieces by Herman Melville
- The House Top Poems From Battle Pieces by Herman Melville
- Poem And Prayer For An Invading Army by Edna St Vincent Millay
- A Requiem Poems From Battle Pieces by Herman Melville
- This Is No Case Of Petty Right Or Wrong by Edward Thomas
- Harry Wilmans by Edgar Lee Masters
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- War Literature — The themes and imagery are centered around the experiences and reflections of soldiers during and after battle.
- Historical — The poem references specific historical events and figures related to the American Civil War.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep moral and ethical questions about war, brotherhood, and human nature.
Tags
War Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century Poetry · Meditation · Battle Pieces · Poetic Sequence · Free Verse · Symbolism · Imagery · Irony · Critique of War · Human Cost of War