Whitman’s deep respect for Abraham Lincoln surpassed all understanding. He referred to Lincoln as his “captain” multiple times throughout the poem, indicating Whitman’s deep admiration for him (Whitman 1). Lincoln also acted as a source of guidance and comfort for Whitman—both strongly desired a reunified Union, ultimately sparking the Civil War. Whitman celebrated with as much exuberance as Lincoln when the “fearful trip” ended with the Union’s victory after many difficult years (1). The repetition of “heart” and the imagery of the dripping blood emphasize the poet’s raw grief and shock at the death of his captain (5). He also refers to the president as his “father,” representing Whitman’s tacit respect for Lincoln and his burdening role as a father to the Union, especially during the Civil War (14). To this day, the Civil War remains the bloodiest battle in United States history. Brother fought against brother, explaining how far both sides would stray from their moral standards to maintain their preferred ways of life. The Union annihilated the South and left no crack and crevice unscathed. Although the Union devastated the South and preserved their precious unity, it did not happen without unspeakable consequences. Thousands of Union martyrs only had the opportunity to bask in their victory within their tombstones. Wives faced the constant agony of knowing they could not say “I love you” to their husbands one more time. This stinging pain exemplified itself 100 fold immediately after the death of Lincoln. Whitman conveyed this powerfully through his careful word choice. Phrases such as “weathered every wrack” and “flag is flung” include alliteration to cast an