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| Even the smallest to the largest |
In the
1850s, an American poet pulled away from standard poetry format and moved into
his own poetry. It was a bold move, but then Walt Whitman was bold in so many
ways.
His “free
verse” was exactly that: free. Whitman
was strong in his beliefs that all people should read and understand the
meanings that are embedded in the words.
The importance of the individual, whether it be a person or a blade of
grass or a distant star, was central to his vision.
Walt Whitman
fell under the extreme condemnation of his bi-sexuality. Although Leaves of Grass was labeled
to be almost pornographic and obscene, but that did not restrict its
success. In a November 1885 review, it was suggested that Whitman was “guilty
of the horrible sin not to be mentioned among Christians”.
This part of
the popular opinions, Whitman had intense relationships with several women, and
claimed he had six children. Whatever his sexuality, it cannot be criticized
in current mores and rightly so. One cannot be defined by one element of life
but taken as a whole.
Whitman’s most memorable poem will
always be O Captain! My Captain, written after Lincoln’s assassination.
He once said, after constant repetition,
"Damn My Captain...I'm almost sorry I ever wrote that poem."
So, hoist a glass to an individual who believed that people/leaves
of grass/stars are unique, no matter how small or large or whatever.
From YouTube read by Tom O'Bedlam
Yes, I bought a book of his poems when in Georgia, and I treasure it.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful!
DeleteWhen viewing any work of art it should be judged on its own merit. The artist is no less an artist if we do not agree with his/her lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteLooking through history, so many writers, poets, actors,musicians and more have been homosexual. The extreme creativity? Unbelievable talent and intelligence? Who knows? But all have enriched lives throughout time.
DeleteEnjoyed this post and learning more about Whitman.
ReplyDeleteWhitman is a poet who seems to have faded into the background.
DeleteMaybe a bit, but I think he's carved his place in poetic history and will remain.
DeleteInteresting, indeed. Bottom's up!
ReplyDeleteHere's to you!
DeleteWalt Whitman is a hero and inspiration to many. This year is the centenary of his birth, I believe.
ReplyDeleteReally? Whitman experienced so much in his life, especially as a nurse in the Civil War.
DeleteA big yes to anyone who believes, and honours, individuality.
ReplyDeleteWe are who we are, and we are part of the large picture.
DeleteI love Whitman. There is something amazing to his work. Song of Myself is one of my favorite things ever written.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother gave me Leaves of Grass when she died. I enjoy it still.
DeleteI was going to say, if Walt Whitman didn't say that, I don't know who else would.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
DeleteI've never read any of Walt Whitman's works. I'm a fiction paperback kind of girl.
ReplyDeleteMost people are, I think.
DeleteHi Susan - thanks for this ... I enjoyed it - and hadn't realised that Walt Whitman had written 'O Captain! My Captain!' ... so I was pleased to listen to it. Thank you - Hilary
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome!
DeleteYes, he was a great poet, and an advocate for freeing the slaves, although, possibly because of the times, he still believed they were nothing more than ignorant servants.
ReplyDeleteHis Leaves of Grass was ground breaking, at least in my opinion. And this is the 21st century, so who cares what his sexual orientation was.
He was odd in that way. For freeing the slaves, he saw them as somehow now quite equal to the white man. That confused me as well. Leaves of Grass was groundbreaking in many ways.
DeleteSure had a way with words indeed, no matter what he did elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteOne should be seen in the light of the whole.
DeleteIt was Mrs. Grill's fault. I knew Poems were for sissy's, but somehow she convinced me different.
ReplyDeleteI had to look-up Whitman but could only remember 'My Captain.....'. Melissa Grill loved all poetry, but as a mountain teacher she leaned to the 'old fashioned' style of RHYMES (Ed Guest). She insisted that if I were to be 'well rounded' I would read poetry. I like Whitman, But I did grow to love his chocolate candy! LOL
Very good entry.
Sherry & jack
I always wondered why that box of chocolates carried his name.
DeleteThe work survives...
ReplyDeletePoetry are words that stay after the poet passes.
DeleteEverything The Almighty makes is unique. Only we people use machines to make every item the same, in nature there is no repetition.
ReplyDeleteOne size fits all doesn't work well at all.
DeleteHis insistence that each human is a Cosmos engaged me nearly 60 years ago. It is an idea that will serve sanity and compassion forever.
ReplyDeleteI believe so as well..
DeletePeople are unique and sacred vessels of peace spreading the good word across earth. A lot of mystery awaits to be solved in our universe but we should always pay homage and respect one another.
ReplyDeleteRespect and love are vital to society.
DeleteHis work is still a pleasure to read.
ReplyDeleteEspecially considering this was written 130 yrs. ago, good poetry lasts.
DeleteI'll check his writings.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I hope you find his writing to be thoughtful.
DeleteI've always loved Whitman's work -- possibly my favorite American poet. Thanks for sharing about him and for the link.
ReplyDeleteHe was a man who changed poetry.
DeleteI didn't know that about him.
ReplyDeleteI know, I didn't either.
Deletei think i have read few of his works in our school books or may be book book borrowed from library dear Susan
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing this beautiful poem
i agree that we should not and we cannot judge anyone by his single action
This took my memories back to my school days when I had to learn this in our English class. It was long after that I read more about Walt Whitman.
ReplyDeleteOne doesn't have the right to judge another's individuality, and thereby their creativity. We are all different and unique. And we need to respect others for what they are.