He gives us a panoramic view of the American scene as well as expresses those ideals and values which constitute Americaness. In singing of himself, Whitman sings of America. The title suggests that in it the poet would sing of himself, but it is as much a song of America as of Whitman. Though it is a collection of lyrics, it is epical in its value and significance. Song of Myself is the longest and the most important poem in the Leaves of Grass. Viewed freely, the English language is the accretion and growth of every dialect, race, and range of time, and is both the free and compacted composition of all.Here’s a list of the best Walt Whitman poems: 1. And your very flesh shall be a great poem. Love the earth and sun and animals, Despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks, Stand up for the stupid and crazy, Devote your income and labor to others. Divine am I inside and out, and I make holy whatever I touch or am touched from, The scent of these armpits aroma finer than prayer, This head more than churches, bibles, and all the creeds. I believe in the flesh and the appetites, Seeing, hearing, feeling, are miracles, and each part and tag of me is a miracle. The great city is that which has the greatest man or woman: if it be a few ragged huts, it is still the greatest city in the whole world. The more you're around people, the more you love animals. I think I could always live with animals. Whoever you are, now I place my hand upon you/ That you may be my poem/ I whisper with my lips close to your ear/ I have loved many women and men, but I love none better than you.Įvery hour of every day is an unspeakably perfect miracle. Wisdom is not finally tested by the schools, Wisdom cannot be pass'd from one having it to another not having it, Wisdom is of the soul, is not susceptible of proof, is its own proof. Democracy, with its myriad personalities and increasing sophistication, must be fibred and vitalized by regular contact with outdoor growths - animals, trees, sun warmth and free skies - or it will dwindle and pale. Without enough wilderness America will change. The ship has weather'd every wrack The prize we sought is won The port is near, the bells I hear The people all exulting While follow eyes, the steady keel The vessel grim and daring But Heart! Heart! Heart! O the bleeding drops of red Where on the deck my captain lies Fallen cold and dead.įreedom - to walk free and own no superior.Įither define the moment or the moment will define you.ĭid you, too, O friend, suppose democracy was only for elections, for politics, and for a party name? I say democracy is only of use there that it may pass on and come to its flower and fruit in manners, in the highest forms of interaction between people, and their beliefs - in religion, literature, colleges and schools- democracy in all public and private life. O captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done. I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable. Nothing is better than simplicity-nothing can make up for excess, or for the lack of definiteness. Nothing is better than simplicity, and the sunlight of letters is simplicity. The art of art, the glory of expression, is simplicity. Let your soul stand cool and composed before a million universes. Happiness, not in another place but this place.not for another hour, but this hour. Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you. And we will risk the ship, ourselves, and all. For we are bound where mariner has not yet dared go. Sail Forth- Steer for the deep waters only. The whole purpose of the universe is unerringly aimed at one thing - you.
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