Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SAYS, by WALT WHITMAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SAYS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I say whatever tastes sweet to the most perfect person, that is finally right
Last Line: Eligible to that one man or woman, on the same terms as any.


1

I say whatever tastes sweet to the most perfect person,
that is finally right.

2

I say nourish a great intellect, a great brain;
If I have said anything to the contrary, I hereby retract it.

3

I say man shall not hold property in man;
I say the least developed person on earth is just as
important and sacred to himself or herself, as the
most developed person is to himself or herself.

4

I say where liberty draws not the blood out of slavery,
there slavery draws the blood out of liberty,
I say the word of the good old cause in These States, and
resound it hence over the world.

5

I say the human shape or face is so great, it must never be
made ridiculous;
I say for ornaments nothing outre can be allowed,
And that anything is most beautiful without ornament,
And that exaggerations will be sternly revenged in your own
physiology, and in other persons' physiology also;
And I say that clean-shaped children can be jetted and
conceived only where natural forms prevail in public,
and the human face and form are never caricatured;
And I say that genius need never more be turned to romances,
(For facts properly told, how mean appear all romances.)

6

I say the word of lands fearing nothing -- I will have no other land;
I say discuss all and expose all -- I am for every topic openly;
I say there can be no salvation for These States without
innovators -- without free tongues, and ears willing
to hear the tongues;
And I announce as a glory of These States, that they
respectfully listen to propositions, reforms, fresh
views and doctrines, from successions of men and women,
Each age with its own growth.

7

I have said many times that materials and the Soul are
great, and that all depends on physique;
Now I reverse what I said, and affirm that all depends on
the aesthetic or intellectual,
And that criticism is great -- and that refinement is greatest of all;
And I affirm now that the mind governs -- and that all
depends on the mind.

'

With one man or woman -- (no matter which one -- I even
pick out the lowest,)
With him or her I now illustrate the whole law;
I say that every right, in politics or what-not, shall be
eligible to that one man or woman, on the same terms as any.





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