Whitmans poem Cavalry Crossing a Ford is not about what?

You're right, "Cavalry Crossing a Ford" by Walt Whitman is not about a traditional cavalry crossing a ford. While it uses imagery of a river crossing and the action of cavalry, the poem is actually an allegory for something else entirely.

It's generally understood that Whitman's poem uses this scene as a metaphor for:

* The passage of time and the ever-changing nature of life. The "cavalry" can represent the flow of events, the changing seasons, or even the cycles of human life. The "ford" is symbolic of the challenges and transitions we all face.

* The inevitability of progress and the unstoppable force of change. Just as the cavalry must cross the ford, so too must life move forward, embracing the challenges and opportunities that arise.

So, to answer your question more directly, "Cavalry Crossing a Ford" is not about:

* A literal historical battle or event.

* A specific cavalry unit crossing a specific ford.

* The technical aspects of cavalry tactics or maneuvers.

Instead, it's a poetic reflection on the broader themes of time, change, and human experience.