Wampum and Old Gold

"Wampum and Old Gold" by Hervey Allen is a collection of poetry written in the aftermath of World War I that explores themes of nature, love, loss, and remembrance, using vivid imagery and emotion. As a collection, it is an intimate tour through the landscape of a post-war world and the emotions that came with it. Poems written after 1918 appear in the first section and the second section contains poems from the author's time in France. Poems like "Confession," "The Blindman," and "Soldier-Poet" showcase universal themes of despair, longing, and the impact that war has on the human spirit. Allen weaves together thoughtful language and striking descriptions to encourage the reader to think deeply about life's delicate beauty and what we take away from difficult experiences.