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Author: whitman, walt
Matches Found: 482


Whitman, Walt    Poet's Biography
482 poems available by this author


A BOSTON BALLAD    Poem Text    
First Line: To get betimes in boston town I rose this morning early
Last Line: You are mighty cute -- and here is one of your bargains.
Subject(s): Boston


A BROADWAY PAGEANT    Poem Text    
First Line: Over the western sea hither from niphon
Last Line: They shall now also march obediently eastward for your sake libertad.
Subject(s): Broadway, New York City


A CAROL CLOSING SIXTY-NINE    Poem Text    
First Line: A carol closing sixty-nine - a resume - a repetition
Last Line: The undiminish'd faith -- the groups of loving friends.
Subject(s): Old Age


A CHILD'S AMAZE    Poem Text    
First Line: Silent and amazed even when a little boy
Last Line: As contending against some being or influence.
Subject(s): Children; Childhood


A CHRISTMAS GREETING; FROM A NORTHERN START-GROUP TO A SOUTHERN    Poem Text    
First Line: Welcome, brazilian brother - thy ample place is ready
Last Line: The height to be superb humanity.
Subject(s): Brazil; Christmas; Brazilians; Nativity, The


A CLEAR MIDNIGHT    Poem Text    
First Line: This is thy hour, o soul, thy free flight into the wordless
Last Line: Night, sleep, death and the stars.
Subject(s): Night; Bedtime


A FARM PICTURE    Poem Text    
First Line: Through the ample open door of the peaceful country barn
Last Line: And haze and vista, and the far horizon fading away.
Subject(s): Environment; Farm Life; Fields; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation; Agriculture; Farmers; Pastures; Meadows; Leas


A FONT OF TYPE    Poem Text    
First Line: This latent mine - these unlaunch'd voices - passionate powers
Last Line: Within the pallid slivers slumbering.


A GLIMPSE    Poem Text    
First Line: A glimpse, through an interstice caught
Last Line: Little, perhaps not a word.
Subject(s): Gays & Lesbians; Men; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men


A HAND-MIRROR    Poem Text    
First Line: Hold it up sternly -- see this it sends back, (who is it? Is it you?)
Last Line: Such a result so soon -- and from such a beginning!
Subject(s): Hate; Mirrors


A KISS TO THE BRIDE; MARRIAGE OF NELLY GRANT, MAY 21, 1874    Poem Text    
First Line: Sacred, blithesome, undenied
Last Line: Unto a nation's loving kiss.
Subject(s): Marriage; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


A LEAF FOR HAND IN HAND    Poem Text    
Last Line: I wish to infuse myself among you till I see it common for you to walk hand in hand
Subject(s): Brotherhood; Mississipi River


A MARCH IN THE RANKS HARD-PREST AND THE ROAD UNKNOWN       


A NOISELESS, PATIENT SPIDER       


A PAUMANOK PICTURE    Poem Text    
First Line: Two boats with nets lying off the sea-beach, quite still
Last Line: The water, the green-back'd spotted mossbonkers.


A PERSIAN LESSON    Poem Text    
First Line: For his o'erarching and last lesson the greybeard sufi
Last Line: "latent the same in subject and in object, without one exception."


A PRAIRIE SUNSET    Poem Text    
First Line: Shot gold, maroon and violet, dazzling
Last Line: Pure luminous color fighting the silent shadows to the last.
Subject(s): Night; Bedtime


A PROMISE TO CALIFORNIA       


A RIDDLE SONG    Poem Text    
First Line: That which eludes this verse and any verse
Last Line: And heaven at last for it.
Subject(s): Riddles


A SIGHT IN CAMP IN THE DAYBREAK GRAY AND DIM       


A SONG FOR OCCUPATIONS    Poem Text    
Last Line: I do of men and women like you
Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Business; United States – Politics & Government


A SONG OF JOYS    Poem Text    
First Line: O to make the most jubilant song!
Last Line: A swift and swelling ship full of rich words, full of joys.
Subject(s): Happiness; Joy; Delight


A SONG OF THE ROLLING EARTH    Poem Text    
First Line: A song of the rolling earth, and of words according
Last Line: You shall be fully glorified in them.


A THOUGHT OF COLUMBUS    Poem Text    
First Line: The mystery of mysteries, the crude and harried ceaseless flame
Last Line: The modern world to thee and thought of thee!)
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers


A TWILIGHT SONG    Poem Text    
First Line: As I sit in twilight late alone by the flickering oak flame,
Last Line: Embalm'd with love in this twilight song.


A VOICE FROM DEATH    Poem Text    
First Line: A voice from death, solemn and strange, in all his sweep and power
Last Line: In which and upon which we float, and every one of us is buoy'd.
Subject(s): Johnstown Flood (1889)


A VOICE PROPHETIC    Poem Text    
First Line: Over the carnage rose prophetic a voice
Last Line: Nay, nor the world, nor any living thing, will so cohere.)
Subject(s): American Civil War; Americans; Patriotism; United States - History


A WOMAN WAITS FOR ME    Poem Text    
First Line: A woman waits for me, she contains all, nothing is lacking
Last Line: Immortality, I plant so lovingly now.


ABOARD AT A SHIP'S HELM       


ABRAHAM LINCOLN, BORN FEB. 12, 1809    Poem Text    
First Line: To-day, from each and all, a breath of prayer - a pulse of thought
Last Line: To memory of him -- to birth of him.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ADIEU TO A SOLDIER    Poem Text    
First Line: Adieu o soldier
Last Line: To fiercer, weightier battles give expression.
Subject(s): Soldiers


AFTER AN INTERVAL    Poem Text    
First Line: After an interval, reading, here in the midnight
Last Line: And the duo of saturn and mars!


AFTER THE DAZZLE OF DAY IS GONE    Poem Text    
Last Line: Silent, athwart my soul, moves the symphony true
Subject(s): Night


AFTER THE SEA-SHIP, AFTER THE WHISTLING WINDS       


AFTER THE SUPPER AND TALK    Poem Text    
First Line: After the supper and talk - after the day is done
Last Line: Garrulous to the very last.


AGAIN THEY SURROUND THEE       
First Line: Of olden time, when it came to pass
Last Line: And still iscariot plies his trade
Subject(s): Justice; Social Protest


AGES AND AGES RETURNING AT INTERVALS    Poem Text    
Last Line: Offspring of my loins
Subject(s): Gays & Lesbians


AH POVERTIES, WINCINGS, AND SULKY RETREATS    Poem Text    
Last Line: It shall yet stand up the soldier of ultimate victory
Subject(s): Enemies


ALL IS TRUTH    Poem Text    
First Line: O me, man of slack faith so long
Last Line: And sing and laugh and deny nothing.
Subject(s): Truth


AMERICA    Poem Text    
First Line: Centre of equal daughters, equal sons
Last Line: Chair'd in the adamant of time.
Subject(s): United States; America


AMERICA TO THE OLD WORLD BARDS       
First Line: Be thy task for once to thank in my name, the
Last Line: Let the procession pass -- let the shadow walk %through the very soul


AMONG THE MULTITUDE    Poem Text    
First Line: Among the men and women the multitude,
Last Line: And I when I meet you mean to discover you by the like in you.


AN ARMY CORPS ON THE MARCH    Poem Text    
First Line: With its cloud of skirmishers in advance
Last Line: As the army corps advances.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


AN ENDED DAY    Poem Text    
First Line: The soothing sanity and blitheness of completion
Last Line: Now triumph! Transformation! Jubilate!


AN EVENING LULL    Poem Text    
First Line: After a week of physical anguish
Last Line: Three hours of peace and soothing rest of brain.
Subject(s): Sickness; Illness


APPARITIONS    Poem Text    
First Line: A vague mist hanging 'round half the pages
Last Line: That all these solid things are indeed but apparitions, concepts, non-realities.)


ARE YOU THE NEW PERSON DRAWN TOWARD ME?    Poem Text    
Last Line: Have you no thought, o dreamer, that it may be all maya, illusion?
Subject(s): Relationships


AS A STRONG BIRD ON PINIONS FREE       
First Line: Beautiful world of new, suberber birth, that rises to my eyes
Subject(s): Freedom; Justice


AS ADAM EARLY IN THE MORNING       


AS AT THY PORTALS ALSO DEATH       


AS CONSEQUENT FROM STORE OF SUMMER RAINS       


AS I LAY WITH MY HEAD IN YOUR LAP CAMERADO    Poem Text    
Last Line: Or whether we shall be victorious, or utterly quell'd and defeated
Subject(s): Confessions


AS I PONDERED IN SILENCE    Poem Text    
Last Line: I above all promote brave soldiers
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Soldiers


AS I SIT WRITING HERE    Poem Text    
First Line: As I sit writing here, sick and grown old
Last Line: May filter in my daily songs.
Subject(s): Old Age; Poetry & Poets


AS I WALK THESE BROAD MAJESTIC DAYS OF PEACE    Poem Text    
Last Line: And our visions, the visions of poets, the most solid announcements of any
Subject(s): Reality


AS I WATCH'D THE PLOUGHMAN PLOUGHING       


AS IF A PHANTOM CARESS'D ME    Poem Text    
Last Line: And those appear that are hateful to me and mock me
Subject(s): Love – Loss Of


AS THE GREEK'S SIGNAL FLAME    Poem Text    
First Line: As the greek's signal flame, by antique records told
Last Line: Lift high a kindled brand for thee, old poet.
Subject(s): Birthdays; Whittier, John Greenleaf (1807-1892)


AS THE TIME DRAWS NIGH    Poem Text    
First Line: As the time draws nigh glooming a cloud
Last Line: O soul, we have positively appear'd -- that is enough.


AS THEY DRAW TO A CLOSE    Poem Text    
Last Line: With you o soul
Subject(s): Death


AS TOILSOME I WANDER'D VIRGINIA'S WOODS       


ASHES OF SOLDIERS    Poem Text    
First Line: Ashes of soldiers south or north
Last Line: For the ashes of all dead soldiers south or north.
Subject(s): American Civil War; U.s. - History


ASPOSTROPH    Poem Text    
First Line: O mater! O fils!
Last Line: O poets to come, I depend upon you!


ASSURANCES    Poem Text    
First Line: I need no assurances, I am a man who is
Last Line: Space, but I believe heavenly death provides for all.


BARROW       
First Line: Our brittle bones were chilled to envy
Last Line: Above our age's burial mound
Subject(s): Environment; Fields


BATHED IN WAR'S PERFUME    Poem Text    
First Line: Bathed in war's perfume - delicate flag!
Last Line: Flag like the eyes of women.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


BEAT! BEAT! DRUMS!    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: Beat! Beat! Drums! - blow! Bugles! Blow / through the windows - through doors
Last Line: So strong you thump o terrible drums -- so loud you bugles blow.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Declaration Day


BEAUTIFUL WOMEN    Poem Text    
First Line: Women sit or move to and fro, some old, some young
Last Line: Than the young.
Subject(s): Beauty; Old Age; Women


BEGINNERS    Poem Text    
First Line: How they are provided for upon the earth
Last Line: The same great purchase.


BEGINNING MY STUDIES    Poem Text    
First Line: Beginning my studies the first step pleas'd me so much
Last Line: But stop and loiter all the time to sing it in ecstatic songs.


BEHOLD THIS SWARTHY FACE    Poem Text    
First Line: Behold this swarthy face, these gray eyes
Last Line: We are those two natural and nonchalant persons.


BIVOUAC ON A MOUNTAIN SIDE    Poem Text    
First Line: I see before me now a travelling army halting
Last Line: Studded, breaking out, the eternal stars.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Army Life; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; Drills & Minor Tactics; Declaration Day


BOSTON BALLAD (DIFFERENT VERSION)       
First Line: Clear the way there jonathan!
Last Line: You are mighty cute - and here is one of your bargains


BRAVO, PARIS EXPOSITION!    Poem Text    
First Line: Add to your show, before you close it, france
Last Line: America's applause, love, memories and good-will.
Subject(s): Exhibitions; Paris, France; World's Fairs; Expositions


BROADWAY    Poem Text    
First Line: What hurrying human tides, or day or night!
Last Line: Thou visor'd, vast, unspeakable show and lesson!
Subject(s): Broadway, New York City


BY BLUE ONTARIO'S SHORE    Poem Text    
First Line: By blue ontario's shore, / as I mused of these warlike days & of peace return'd
Last Line: You by my charm I invoke.
Variant Title(s): As I Sat Alone By Blue Ontario's Shore
Subject(s): Democracy; Poetry & Poets; United States; America


BY BROAD POTOMAC'S SHORE    Poem Text    
First Line: By broad potomac's shore, again old tongue
Last Line: O deathless grass, of you!
Subject(s): Potomac River; Rivers


BY THE BIVOUAC'S FITFUL FLAME       


CAMPS OF GREEN    Poem Text    
First Line: Not alone those camps of white, old comrades of wars
Last Line: Nor drummer to beat the morning drum.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


CAROL [SONG] OF OCCUPATIONS', SELS.       
Subject(s): Justice


CAVALRY CROSSING A FORD    Poem Text    
First Line: A line in long array where they wind betwixt green islands
Last Line: The guidon flags flutter gayly in the wind.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Army Life; Cavalry; Holidays; Memorial Day; Soldiers; United States - History; War; Drills & Minor Tactics; Declaration Day


CHANTING THE SQUARE DEIFIC    Poem Text    
First Line: Chanting the square deific, out of the one advancing, out of the sides
Last Line: Breathe my breath also through these songs.


CITY OF ORGIES    Poem Text    
First Line: City of orgies, walks and joys
Last Line: Lovers, continual lovers, only repay me.
Subject(s): Americans; United States; America


CITY OF SHIPS!       


COME CLOSER TO ME       
Last Line: Not a day passes - not a minute or second without a corpse


COME UP FROM THE FIELDS FATHER    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: Come up from the fields father, here's a letter from our pete
Last Line: To follow, to seek, to be with her dear dead son.
Variant Title(s): A Letter From Camp
Subject(s): American Civil War; Holidays; Memorial Day; United States - History; United States; War; Declaration Day; America


CONTINUITIES    Poem Text    
First Line: Nothing is ever really lost, or can be lost
Last Line: With grass and flowers and summer fruits and corn.
Subject(s): Easter; Holidays; The Resurrection


CROSSING BROOKLYN FERRY    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: Flood-tide below me! I see you face to face
Last Line: Great or small, you furnish your parts toward the soul.
Subject(s): Americans; Brooklyn, New York; Ferry Boats; United States; America


DAREST THOU NOW O SOUL       


DEATH       
First Line: One lovely and soothing death
Subject(s): Death


DEATH OF GENERAL GRANT    Poem Text    
First Line: As one by one withdraw the lofty actors
Last Line: To admiration has it been enacted!
Subject(s): Grant, Ulysses Simpson (1822-1885)


DEATH'S VALLEY    Poem Text    
First Line: Nay, do not dream, designer dark
Last Line: Sweet, peaceful, welcome death.
Subject(s): Art & Artists; Inness, George (1825-1894); Paintings & Painters; Religion; Theology


DEBRIS    Poem Text    
First Line: He is wisest who has the most caution
Last Line: And those appear that perplex me.


DELICATE CLUSTER! FLAG OF TEEMING LIFE!       


DIRGE FOR TWO VETERANS    Poem Text    
First Line: The last sunbeam / lightly falls from the finish'd sabbath
Last Line: My heart gives you love.
Variant Title(s): Two Veterans
Subject(s): Holidays; Memorial Day; Veterans; Declaration Day


EARTH, MY LIKENESS       


EIDOLONS    Poem Text    
First Line: I met a seer
Last Line: A round full-orb'd eidolon.


EIGHTEEN SIXTY-ONE    Poem Text    
First Line: Arm'd year - year of the struggle
Last Line: I repeat you, hurrying, crashing, sad, distracted year.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENCY, SELS.       
Subject(s): Social Protest


ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER, 1884    Poem Text    
First Line: If I should need to name, o western world, your powerfulest scene and show
Last Line: Swell'd washington's, jefferson's, lincoln's sails.
Subject(s): Elections; Voting; Voters; Suffrage


ELEMENTAL DRIFTS: 1    Poem Text    
First Line: As I ebbed with the ocean of life
Last Line: As I walk'd with that electric self seeking types.
Variant Title(s): As I Ebb'd With The Ocean Of Life: 3;as I Ebb'd With The Ocean Of Life: 1


ELEMENTAL DRIFTS: 2    Poem Text    
First Line: As I wend the shore I know not
Last Line: Because I have dared to open my mouth to sing at all.
Variant Title(s): As I Ebb'd With The Ocean Of Life: 2


ELEMENTAL DRIFTS: 3    Poem Text    
First Line: You oceans both, I close with you
Last Line: Murmuring I envy.


ELEMENTAL DRIFTS: 4    Poem Text    
First Line: Ebb, ocean of life, (the flow will return)
Last Line: Whoever you are, we too lie in drifts at your feet.
Variant Title(s): As I Ebb'd With The Ocean Of Life: 4


EPITAPH FOR LINCOLN    Poem Text    
First Line: This dust was once the man
Last Line: Was saved the union of these states.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


ETHIOPIA SALUTING THE COLORS    Poem Text    
First Line: Who are you dusky woman, so ancient hardly human
Last Line: Are the things so strange and marvellous you see or have seen?
Subject(s): African Americans - Women; American Civil War; Georgia (state); Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891); United States - History


EUROPE; THE 72ND AND 73RD YEARS OF THESE STATES    Poem Text    
First Line: Suddenly out of its stale and drowsy lair, the lair of slaves
Last Line: He will soon return, his messengers come anon.
Subject(s): Europe


EXCELSIOR    Poem Text    
First Line: Who has gone farthest? For I would go farther
Last Line: Devouring ecstasy to make joyous hymns for the whole earth.


FACES    Poem Text    
First Line: Sauntering the pavement or riding the country by-road
Last Line: The justified mother of men.
Subject(s): Faces


FACING WEST FROM CALIFORNIA'S SHORES       


FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 1. THE PILOT IN THE MIST    Poem Text    
First Line: Steaming the northern rapids - (an old st. Lawrence reminiscence)
Last Line: Looms in the mist, with brow elate and governing hand.
Subject(s): Ships & Shipping


FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 2    Poem Text    
First Line: Had I the choice to tally greatest bards
Last Line: And leave its odor there.
Subject(s): Nature; Poetry & Poets


FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 3    Poem Text    
First Line: You tides with ceaseless swell! You power that does this work!
Last Line: Sailing in a ship?


FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 4    Poem Text    
First Line: Last of ebb, and daylight waning
Last Line: On for your time, ye furious debouche!


FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 5    Poem Text    
First Line: And yet not you alone, twilight and burying ebb
Last Line: The rhythmus of birth eternal.


FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 6    Poem Text    
First Line: Proudly the flood comes in, shouting, foaming, advancing
Last Line: Flaunting from many a spar the flag I love.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 7    Poem Text    
First Line: By that long span of waves, myself call'd back, resumed upon myself
Last Line: Like one of yours, ye multitudinous ocean.
Subject(s): Aging


FANCIES AT NAVESINK: 8    Poem Text    
First Line: Then last of all, caught from these shores, this hill
Last Line: The brain that shapes, the voice that chants this song.


FAST ANCHOR'D ETERNAL O LOVE!    Poem Text    
First Line: Fast-anchor'd eternal o love! O woman I love!
Last Line: O sharer of my roving life.
Subject(s): Love


FOR HIM I SING    Poem Text    
Last Line: To make himself by them the law unto himself
Subject(s): Praise


FOR THE INAUGURATION OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL, CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY    Poem Text    
First Line: An old man's thought of school
Last Line: To girlhood, boyhood look, the teacher and the school.
Subject(s): Camden, New Jersey; Memory; Old Age; Schools; Students


FOR YOU O DEMOCRACY    Poem Text    
First Line: Come, I will make the continent indissoluble
Last Line: For you, for you I am trilling these songs.
Subject(s): Democracy; Freedom; Patriotism; Liberty


FRANCE; THE 18TH YEAR OF THESE STATES    Poem Text    
First Line: A great year and place
Last Line: I will yet sing a song for you ma femme.
Subject(s): France; Freedom; Liberty


FROM FAR DAKOTA'S CANONS; JUNE 25, 1876    Poem Text    
Last Line: Thou yieldest up thyself
Subject(s): Little Bighorn, Battler Of


FROM MONTAUK POINT    Poem Text    
First Line: I stand as on some mighty eagle's beak
Last Line: Seeking the shores forever.
Subject(s): Montauk Point, Long Island (new York)


FROM MY LAST YEARS    Poem Text    
First Line: From my last years, last thoughts I here bequeath
Last Line: For time to germinate fully.


FROM PAUMANOK STARTING I FLY LIKE A BIRD       


FROM PENT-UP ACHING RIVERS       


FULL OF LIFE NOW    Poem Text    
First Line: Full of life now, compact, visible
Last Line: Now with you.)
Subject(s): Life


GERMS    Poem Text    
First Line: Forms, qualities, lives, humanity, language, thoughts
Last Line: Germs of all.


GIVE ME THE SPLENDID SILENT SUN    Poem Text    
First Line: Give me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling
Last Line: Manhattan faces and eyes forever for me.
Subject(s): New York City; Sun; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple


GLIDING O'ER ALL, THROUGH ALL    Poem Text    
Last Line: Death, many deaths I'll sing
Subject(s): Death


GODS (1)       
First Line: Thought of the infinite- the all!
Subject(s): Science


GODS (2)    Poem Text    
First Line: Lover divine and perfect comrade
Last Line: Be ye my gods.
Subject(s): God


GOING SOMEWHERE'    Poem Text    
First Line: My science-friend, my noblest woman-friend
Last Line: All bound as is befitting each—all surely going somewhere
Subject(s): Life; Knowledge


GOOD-BYE MY FANCY!    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: Good-bye my fancy! / farewell dear mate, dear love!
Last Line: Good-bye -- and hail! My fancy.
Subject(s): Farewell; Parting


GRAND IS THE SEEN    Poem Text    
First Line: Grand is the seen, the light, to me - grand are the sky and stars
Last Line: More multiform far -- more lasting thou than they.
Subject(s): Religion; Theology


GREAT ARE THE MYTHS    Poem Text    
First Line: Great are the myths - I too delight in them
Last Line: Has life much purport? -- ah, death has the greatest purport.


GREAT IS JUSTICE       
Subject(s): Justice


HALCYON DAYS    Poem Text    
First Line: Not from successful love alone
Last Line: The brooding and blissful halcyon days!
Subject(s): Aging


HAST NEVER COME TO THEE AN HOUR    Poem Text    
Last Line: To utter nothingness?
Subject(s): Nothingness


HERE THE FRAILEST LEAVES OF ME    Poem Text    
First Line: Here the frailest leaves of me and yet my strongest lasting
Last Line: And yet they expose me more than all my other poems.


HOURS CONTINUING LONG, SORE AND HEAVY-HEARTED    Poem Text    
Last Line: Does he see himself reflected in me? In these hours, does he see the face of his hours reflected?
Subject(s): Friendship; Relationships; Time


HOW SOLEMN AS ONE BY ONE (WASHINGTON CITY, 1865)    Poem Text    
First Line: How solemn as one by one
Last Line: Nor the bayonet stab o friend.
Subject(s): American Civil War; U.s. - History


HUSH'D BE THE CAMPS TODAY       


I AM AN ACME OF THINGS ACCOMPLISHED       
Subject(s): Nature


I AM HE THAT ACHES WITH AMOROUS LOVE       


I AM THE POET       
First Line: I am the poet of reality
Last Line: Nor any part of it a sham


I DREAMED IN A DREAM I SAW A CITY INVINCIBLE       


I HEAR AMERICA SINGING    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: I hear america singing, the varied carols I hear
Last Line: Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.
Subject(s): Americans; Labor & Laborers; Patriotism; Singing & Singers; United States; Work; Workers; Songs; America


I HEARD YOUR SOLEMN-SWEET PIPES    Poem Text    
First Line: I heard you solemn-sweet pipes of the organ as last sunday morn I passed church
Last Line: Bells last night under my ear.
Subject(s): Love


I SAW IN LOUISIANA A LIVE-OAK GROWING       


I SAW OLD GENERAL AT BAY       


I SAW THE VISION OF ARMIES       
Subject(s): War


I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC    Poem Text    
First Line: I sing the body electric / the armies of those I love engirth me
Last Line: O I say now these are the soul!


I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC (DIFFERENT VERSION)       
First Line: The bodies of men and women engirth me, and I engirth them
Last Line: Who degrades or defiles the body of the dead is not more cursed


I SIT AND LOOK OUT    Poem Text    
First Line: I sit and look out upon all the sorrows of the world, and upon all oppression
Last Line: See, hear, and am silent.
Subject(s): Evil; Social Protest


I STAND AND LOOK       
First Line: I stand and look in the dark under a
Last Line: I see the glistening of the waters %in the distance


I TOO MANY AND MANY A TIME CROSS'D THE RIVER OF OLD       
Subject(s): Birds


I WAS LOOKING A LONG WHILE    Poem Text    
First Line: I was looking a long while for intentions
Last Line: All for the modern -- all for the average man of to-day.


IN CABIN'D SHIPS AT SEA       


IN FORMER SONGS    Poem Text    
First Line: In former songs pride have I sung, and love, and passionate, joyful life
Last Line: For my last stand -- my pealing, final cry.
Subject(s): Old Age


IN PATHS UNTRODDEN    Poem Text    
Last Line: To celebrate the need of comrades
Subject(s): Conduct Of Life; Soul


IN PRAISE OF DEATH       
First Line: Praise be the fathomless universe
Subject(s): Death


IN THE NEW GARDEN, IN ALL THE PARTS    Poem Text    
Last Line: You, born years, centuries after me, I seek
Subject(s): Modern Life; Time


INTERPOLATION SOUNDS    Poem Text    
First Line: Over and through the burial chant
Last Line: The sound of horses' hoofs departing -- saddles, arms, accoutrements.
Subject(s): Funerals; Sheridan, Philip Henry (1831-1888); Burials


ITALIAN MUSIC IN DAKOTA (THE SEVENTEENTH - THE FINEST REGIMENTAL BAND)    Poem Text    
First Line: Through the soft evening air enwinding all
Last Line: Listens well pleas'd.
Subject(s): Bands; Music & Musicians; Orchestras


JOY, SHIPMATE, JOY!       


KEEP HEART, O COMRADE, GOD MAY BE DELAYED       


KOSMOS    Poem Text    
First Line: Who includes diversity and is nature
Last Line: Inseparable together.
Subject(s): Nature


L. OF G.'S PURPORT    Poem Text    
First Line: Not to exclude or demarcate, or pick out
Last Line: Draws sometimes close to me, as face to face.
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets


LAWS FOR CREATIONS    Poem Text    
Last Line: And that you or any one must approach creations through such laws?
Subject(s): Creative Ability


LEAVES OF GRASS (1855 EDITION)       


LEAVES OF GRASS': TITLE PAGE    Poem Text    
First Line: Come, said my soul
Last Line: Singing for soul and body, set to them my name
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets


LESSON OF A TREE       
First Line: I should not take either the biggest or the most picturesque
Subject(s): Animals


LESSONS    Poem Text    
First Line: There are who teach only the sweet lessons of peace and safety
Last Line: That they readily meet invasions, when they come.


LIFE    Poem Text    
First Line: Ever the undiscouraged, resolute, struggling soul of man
Last Line: Struggling to-day the same -- battling the same.


LIFE AND DEATH    Poem Text    
First Line: The two old, simple problems ever intertwined
Last Line: To ours to-day -- and we pass on the same.


LINGERING LAST DROPS    Poem Text    
First Line: And whence and why come you?
Last Line: To make the passing shower's concluding drops.


LIVE OAK, WITH MOSS       
First Line: Not the heat flames up and consumes
Last Line: But if through him speed not the blood of friendship, hot and red ... To seek to become eleve of min
Subject(s): Homosexuality


LO, VICTRESS ON THE PEAKS    Poem Text    
Last Line: And psalms of the dead
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets


LOCATIONS AND TIMES    Poem Text    
First Line: Locations and times - what is it in me that meets them all
Last Line: Corresponds with them?


LONG I THOUGHT THAT KNOWLEDGE ALONE WOULD SUFFICE ME    Poem Text    
Last Line: It is to be enough for each of us that we are together—we never separate again
Subject(s): United States; Poetry & Poets; Conduct Of Life


LONG, LONG HENCE    Poem Text    
First Line: After a long, long course, hundreds of years, denials
Last Line: Then only may these songs reach fruition.


LONG, TOO LONG AMERICA       


LOOK DOWN FAIR MOON AND BATHE THIS SCENE       


MANAHATTA    Poem Text    
First Line: My city's fit and noble name resumed
Last Line: Coming, going, hurrying sea waves.
Subject(s): New York City; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple


MANHATTAN ARMING    Poem Text    
First Line: First o songs for a prelude
Last Line: But now you smile with joy exulting old mannahatta.
Variant Title(s): Drum-taps
Subject(s): American Civil War; New York City - 19th Century; Soldiers; United States - History


MANNAHATTA    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: I was asking for something specific and perfect for my city
Last Line: City nested in bays! My city!
Subject(s): Architecture & Architects; New York City; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple


ME IMPERTURBE    Poem Text    
First Line: Me imperturbe, standing at ease in nature,
Last Line: Rebuffs, as the trees and animals do.


MEDIUMS    Poem Text    
First Line: They shall arise in the states
Last Line: Death, the future, the invisible faith, shall all be convey'd.
Subject(s): Democracy


MEMORIES    Poem Text    
First Line: How sweet the silent backward tracings!
Last Line: Resumed -- their loves, joys, persons, voyages.


MIRACLES    Poem Text    
First Line: Why, who makes much of a miracle?
Last Line: What stranger miracle are there?
Subject(s): Miracles


MIRAGES    Poem Text    
First Line: More experiences and sights, stranger, than you'd think for
Last Line: Or plainly there to the left on the hill-tops.


MOTHER AND BABE    Poem Text    
First Line: I see the sleeping babe nestling the breast of its mother
Last Line: The sleeping mother and babe -- hush'd, I study them long and long.
Subject(s): Mothers


MY 71ST YEAR    Poem Text    
First Line: After surmounting three-score and ten
Last Line: Reporting yet, saluting yet the officer over all.
Subject(s): Old Age


MY CANARY BIRD    Poem Text    
First Line: Did we count great, o soul, to penetrate the themes of mighty books
Last Line: Is it not just as great, o soul?
Subject(s): Canaries


MY LEGACY    Poem Text    
First Line: The business man the acquirer vast
Last Line: I bind together and bequeath in this bundle of songs.
Subject(s): Business; Businessmen; Businesswomen


MY PICTURE-GALLERY    Poem Text    
First Line: In a little house keep I pictures suspended, it is not a fix'd house,
Last Line: With finger rais'd he points to the prodigal pictures.
Subject(s): Paintings & Painters


MYSELF AND MINE GYMNASTIC EVER       
Last Line: I perceive I have no time to lose
Subject(s): Conduct Of Life


NATIVE MOMENTS    Poem Text    
First Line: Native moments -- when you come upon me -- ah you are here now,
Last Line: I will be more to you than to any of the rest.


NAY, TELL ME NOT TO-DAY THE PUBLISH'D SHAME    Poem Text    
Last Line: All day to these give audience
Subject(s): Newspapers; United States


NIGHT ON THE PRAIRIES       


NO LABOR-SAVING MACHINE       


NOT HEAT FLAMES UP AND CONSUMES       
Last Line: Wafted in all directions o love, for friendship, for you
Subject(s): Nature; Love; Seeking


NOT HEAVING FROM MY RIBB'D BREAST ONLY    Poem Text    
Last Line: Need I that you exist and show yourself any more than in these songs
Subject(s): Despair; Anger


NOT MEAGRE, LATENT BOUGHS ALONE    Poem Text    
First Line: Not meagre, latent boughs alone, o songs! (scaly and bare, like eagles' talons)
Last Line: And love and faith, like scented roses blooming.


NOT MY ENEMIES EVER INVADE ME    Poem Text    
First Line: Not my enemies ever invade me - no harm to my pride from them I fear
Last Line: Utterly abject, grovelling on the ground before them.


NOT THE PILOT    Poem Text    
First Line: Not the pilot has charged himself to bring his ship to port
Last Line: For a battle-call, rousing to arms if need be, years, centuries hence.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


NOT YOUTH PERTAINS TO ME    Poem Text    
Last Line: Composed these songs
Subject(s): Self; Poetry & Poets


NOW FINALE TO THE SHORE       


NOW LIFT ME CLOSE       
First Line: Now lift me close to your face till I whisper
Last Line: Whoever you are, I give it especially to you; %so long! And I hope we shall meet again


NOW PRECEDENT SONGS, FAREWELL    Poem Text    
First Line: Now precedent songs, farewell -- by every name farewell
Last Line: What wretched shred e'en at the best of all!)
Subject(s): Singing & Singers; Songs


O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN!    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: O captain! My captain! Our fearful trip is done
Last Line: Fallen cold and dead.
Variant Title(s): On The Death Of President Lincoln;my Captain;to Abraham Lincoln;on Lincoln
Subject(s): American Civil War; Assassination; Freedom; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Loss; Patriotism; Presidents, United States; Sea; United States - History; Liberty; Ocean


O HYMEN! O HYMENEE!    Poem Text    
First Line: O hymen! O hymenee! Why do you tantalize me thus?
Last Line: Would soon certainly kill me?


O LIVING ALWAYS, ALWAYS DYING!    Poem Text    
Last Line: To pass on, (o living! Always living!) and leave the corpses behind
Subject(s): Mortality; Death


O MAGNET-SOUTH    Poem Text    
First Line: O magnet-south! O glistening perfumed south! My south!
Last Line: Tennessee and never wander more.
Subject(s): Southern States; South (u.s.)


O ME! O LIFE!    Poem Text    
First Line: O me! O life! Of the questions of these recurring
Last Line: That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.


O STAR OF FRANCE       


O SUN OF REAL PEACE    Poem Text    
First Line: O sun of real peace! O hastening light!
Last Line: May, to you.


O TAN-FACED PRAIRIE-BOY       


O YOU WHOM I OFTEN AND SILENTLY COME    Poem Text    
First Line: O you whom I often and silently come when you are that I may be with you
Last Line: Is playing within me.
Subject(s): Love


OF HIM I LOVE DAY AND NIGHT    Poem Text    
First Line: Of him I love day and night, I dream'd I heard he was dead
Last Line: Or if it be distributed to the winds I shall be satisfied.


OF MANY A SMUTCH'D DEED REMINISCENT    Poem Text    
First Line: Full of wickedness, I - of many a smutch'd deed reminiscent - of worse deeds
Last Line: Because of his boundless love for me.
Subject(s): Love


OF THAT BLITHE THROAT OF THINE FROM ARTIC BLEAK AND BLANK       


OF THE TERRIBLE DOUBT OF APPEARANCES       


OF THE VISAGES OF THINGS    Poem Text    
First Line: Of the visages of things - and of piercing through to accepted hells beneath
Last Line: The president is also.


OFFERINGS    Poem Text    
First Line: A thousand perfect men and women appear
Last Line: And youths, with offerings.


OLD AGE'S LAMBENT PEAKS    Poem Text    
First Line: The touch of flame - the illuminating fire - the loftiest look at last
Last Line: The lights indeed from them -- old age's lambent peaks.
Subject(s): Old Age


OLD AGE'S SHIP AND CRAFTY DEATH'S    Poem Text    
First Line: From east and west across the horizon's edge
Last Line: As we take to the open! Take to the deepest, freest waters.


OLD CHANTS    Poem Text    
First Line: An ancient song, reciting, ending
Last Line: Thou enterest at thy entrance porch.
Subject(s): Singing & Singers


OLD IRELAND    Poem Text    
First Line: Far hence amid an isle of wondrous beauty
Last Line: Moves to-day in a new country.
Subject(s): Ireland; Irish


OLD SALT KOSSABONE    Poem Text    
First Line: Far back, related on my mother's side,
Last Line: Dutch kossabone, old salt, related on my mother's side, far back.


OLD WAR-DREAMS    Poem Text    
First Line: In midnight sleep of many a face of anguish
Last Line: I dream, I dream, I dream.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Dreams; United States - History; Nightmares


ON JOURNEYS THROUGH THE STATES    Poem Text    
First Line: On journeys through the states we start
Last Line: And may be just as much as the seasons.


ON THE BEACH AT NIGHT       


ON THE BEACH AT NIGHT ALONE       


ON THE SAME PICTURE (DEATH'S VALLEY)    Poem Text    
First Line: Aye, well I know 'tis ghastly to descend that valley
Last Line: Here, here 'tis limn'd.
Subject(s): Art & Artists; Inness, George (1825-1894); Paintings And Painters


ON, ON THE SAME, YE JOCUND TWAIN!    Poem Text    
Last Line: On, on, ye jocund twain! Continue on the same!
Subject(s): Conduct Of Life


ONCE I PASS'D THROUGH A POPULOUS CITY    Poem Text    
First Line: Once I pass'd through a populous city, imprinting my brain, for
Last Line: I see her close beside me with silent lips sad and tremulous.
Subject(s): Men


ONE HOUR TO MADNESS AND JOY    Poem Text    
First Line: One hour to madness and joy! O furious! O confine me not!
Last Line: With one brief hour of madness and joy.


ONE'S-SELF I SING    Poem Text    
First Line: One's-self I sing, a simple separate person
Last Line: The modern man I sing.
Subject(s): Self


ORANGE BUDS BY MAIL FROM FLORIDA    Poem Text    
First Line: A lesser proof than old voltaire's, yet greater
Last Line: A bunch of orange buds by mail from florida.
Subject(s): Voltaire, Francois Marie Arouet De


OSCEOLA    Poem Text    
First Line: When his hour for death had come
Last Line: (and here a line in memory of his name and death.)
Subject(s): Native Americans; Osceola, Leader Of Seminoles (1804-1838); Social Protest; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America


OTHERS MAY PRAISE WHAT THEY LIKE    Poem Text    
Last Line: And fully exudes it again
Subject(s): Praise; Criticism & Critics


OUR OLD FEUILLAGE    Poem Text    
First Line: Always our old feuillage!
Last Line: Collect bouquets of the incomparable feuillage of these states?
Subject(s): United States; America


OUT FROM BEHIND THIS MASK    Poem Text    
First Line: Out from behind this bending, rough-cut mask
Last Line: Then travel, travel on.
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891); Writing & Writers


OUT OF MAY'S SHOWS SELECTED    Poem Text    
First Line: Apple orchards, the trees all cover'd with blossoms
Last Line: The aspiring lilac bushes with profuse purple or white flowers.
Subject(s): Spring


OUT OF THE CRADLE ENDLESSLY ROCKING       


OUT OF THE ROLLING OCEAN THE CROWD    Poem Text    
First Line: Out of the rolling ocean the crowd came to a drop gently to me
Last Line: Every day at sundown for your dear sake my love.


OUTLINES FOR A TOMB (G.P., BURIED 1870)    Poem Text    
First Line: What may we chant, o thou within this tomb?
Last Line: But to the high seas launch, my thought, his memory.
Subject(s): Graves; Tombs; Tombstones


PASSAGE TO INDIA    Poem Text    
First Line: Singing my days
Last Line: O farther, farther, farther sail!
Subject(s): India


PATROLING BARNEGAT    Poem Text    
First Line: Wild, wild the storm, and the sea high running
Last Line: That savage trinity warily watching.
Variant Title(s): Patrolling Barnegat
Subject(s): Barnegat Bay, New Jersey; Sea; Storms; Ocean


PAUMANOK    Poem Text    
First Line: Sea-beauty! Stretch'd and basking!
Last Line: Isle of the salty shore and breeze and brine!


PENSIVE AND FALTERING    Poem Text    
Last Line: And I the apparition, I the spectre
Subject(s): Death


PENSIVE ON HER DEAD GAZING    Poem Text    
First Line: Pensive on her dead gazing I heard the mother of all
Last Line: Exhale them perennial sweet death, years, centuries hence.


PERFECTIONS    Poem Text    
First Line: Only themselves understand themselves and the like of themselves
Last Line: As souls only understand souls.


PIONEERS! O PIONEERS!    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: Come my tan-faced children
Last Line: Pioneers! O pioneers!
Subject(s): Patriotism; Peace; Pioneers; West (u.s.); Southwest; Pacific States


POEM OF JOYS, SELS.       
First Line: O the joy of my spirit! It is uncaged! It darts


POEM OF REMEMBRANCE FOR A GIRL OR A BOY OF THESE STATES    Poem Text    
First Line: You just maturing youth! You male or female!
Last Line: Do you see death, and the approach of death?
Subject(s): Youth


POETS TO COME    Poem Text    
First Line: Poets to come! Orators, singers, musicians to come!
Last Line: Expecting the main things from you.
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets


PORTALS    Poem Text    
First Line: What are those of the known but to ascend and enter the unknown?
Last Line: And what are those of life but for death?
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


PRAYER OF COLUMBUS    Poem Text    
First Line: A batter'd, wreck'd old man
Last Line: And anthems in new tongues I hear saluting me.
Subject(s): Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Explorers; Religion; Exploring; Discovery; Discoverers; Theology


PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S BURIAL HYMN    Poem Text    
First Line: When lilacs last in the door-yard bloom'd
Last Line: There in the fragrant pines and the cedars dusk and dim.
Variant Title(s): When Lilacs Last In The Dooryard Bloomed
Subject(s): American Civil War; Death; Flowers; Grief; Lilacs; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Loss; Mourning; Patriotism; Presidents, United States; United States - History; United States; Dead, The; Sorrow; Sadness; Bereavement; America


PROUD MUSIC OF THE STORM    Poem Text    
Last Line: Which let us go forth in the bold day and write
Subject(s): Storms; Music & Musicians


PUBLISH MY NAME AND HANG UP MY PICTURE , FR. RECORDERS AGES HENCE       
Subject(s): Friendship


QUERIES TO MY SEVENTIETH YEAR    Poem Text    
First Line: Approaching, nearing, curious
Last Line: Dull, parrot-like and old, with crack'd voice harping, screeching?
Subject(s): Old Age


QUICKSAND YEARS    Poem Text    
First Line: Quicksand years that whirl me I know not whither
Last Line: When shows break up what but one's-self is sure?


RACE OF VETERANS    Poem Text    
First Line: Race of veterans - race of victors!
Last Line: Race of passion and the storm.
Subject(s): American Civil War; U.s. - History


RECONCILIATION    Poem Text    
First Line: Word over all, beautiful as the sky
Last Line: Bend down and touch lightly with my lips the white face in the coffin.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


RECORDERS AGES HENCE    Poem Text    
Last Line: Who oft as he saunter'd the streets curv'd with his arm the shoul-der of his friend, while the arm o
Subject(s): Self


RED JACKET (FROM ALOFT)    Poem Text    
First Line: Upon this scene, this show
Last Line: Like one of ossian's ghosts looks down.
Subject(s): Red Jacket. Seneca Chief (1756-1830)


RESPONDEZ!    Poem Text    
First Line: Respondez! Respondez! / (the war is completed - the price is paid - the title is
Last Line: Years of death! (what do you suppose death will do, then?)
Variant Title(s): Poem Of The Propositions Of Nakedness


REVERSALS    Poem Text    
First Line: Let that which stood in front go behind
Last Line: Let a woman seek happiness everywhere except in herself.


RISE O DAYS FROM YOUR FATHOMLESS DEEPS       


ROAMING IN THOUGHT (AFTER READING HEGEL)    Poem Text    
First Line: Roaming in thought over the universe, I saw the little that is good
Last Line: Merge itself and become lost and dead.


ROOTS AND LEAVES THEMSELVES ALONE    Poem Text    
First Line: Roots and leaves themselves alone are these,
Last Line: Flowers, fruits, tall branches and trees.
Subject(s): Nature


SAIL OUT FOR GOOD, EIDOLON YACHT!    Poem Text    
First Line: Heave the anchor short!
Last Line: Sail out for good, eidolon yacht of me!


SAILING THE MISSISSIPPI AT MIDNIGHT       
First Line: Vast and starless, the pall of heaven


SALUT AU MONDE    Poem Text    
First Line: O take my hand walt whitman
Last Line: For all the haunts and homes of men.
Subject(s): Earth; World


SAVANTISM    Poem Text    
First Line: Thither as I look I see each result and glory retracing itself
Last Line: As a father to his father going takes his children along with him.


SAYS    Poem Text    
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.


SCENTED HERBAGE OF MY BREAST    Poem Text    
Last Line: But you will last very long
Subject(s): Death


SHAKSPERE-BACON CIPHER    Poem Text    
First Line: I doubt it not - then more, far more
Last Line: A mystic cipher waits infolded.
Subject(s): Bacon, Francis (1561-1626); Dramatists; Philosophy & Philosophers; Plays & Playwrights; Poetry & Poets; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)


SHUT NOT YOUR DOORS TO ME PROUD LIBRARIES       


SLEEPERS       
First Line: I wander all night in my vision
Last Line: Not the womb yields the babe in its time more surely than I shall be yielded from you in my time
Variant Title(s): Sleep-chasing


SMALL THE THEME OF MY CHANT    Poem Text    
First Line: Small the theme of my chant, yet the greatest - namely, one's-self
Last Line: Once, and link'd together let us go.)


SO FAR, AND SO FAR, AND ON TOWARD THE END    Poem Text    
Last Line: And you, contemporary america
Subject(s): United States; Poetry & Poets; Modern Life


SO LONG!    Poem Text    
First Line: To conclude, I announce what comes after me
Last Line: I am as one disembodied, triumphant, dead.
Subject(s): Farewell; Parting


SO LONG, SELS.       
First Line: Camerado, this is no book


SOLID, IRONICAL, ROLLING ORB    Poem Text    
Last Line: And of me, as lover and hero
Subject(s): Earth


SOMETIMES WITH ONE I LOVE    Poem Text    
First Line: Sometimes with one I love I fill myself with rage for fear I effuse
Last Line: Yet out of that I have written these songs.)
Subject(s): Love; Love - Loss Of; Love - Unrequited; Poetry & Poets


SONG AT SUNSET    Poem Text    
First Line: Splendor of ended day floating and filling me
Last Line: I still warble under you, if none else does, unmitigated adoration.


SONG FOR ALL SEAS, ALL SHIPS    Poem Text    
First Line: To-day a rude brief recitative
Last Line: All seas, all ships.
Subject(s): Sea; Ships & Shipping; Ocean


SONG FOR THE STATES       
First Line: I will make a song for these states that no one state may under any


SONG OF MYSELF    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: I celebrate myself, and sing myself
Last Line: I stop somewhere waiting for you.
Variant Title(s): Walt Whitman
Subject(s): Animals; Courage; Nature; Poetry & Poets; Religion; Sea; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891); Valor; Bravery; Theology; Ocean


SONG OF MYSELF: 21, SELS.       
First Line: Press close bare-bosom'd night - press close magnetic nourishing %night
Last Line: O unspeakable passionate love
Subject(s): Love


SONG OF PRUDENCE    Poem Text    
First Line: Manhattan's streets I saunter'd, pondering
Last Line: Nor avoids death.


SONG OF THE ANSWERER    Poem Text    
First Line: Now list to my morning's romanza, I tell the signs of the answerer
Last Line: Ceaseless rings and never be quiet again.


SONG OF THE ANSWERER (DIFFERENT VERSION)       
First Line: A young man came to me with a message from his brother
Last Line: Or man that has been in prison or is likely to be in prison?


SONG OF THE BANNER AT DAY-BREAK    Poem Text    
First Line: O a new song, a free song
Last Line: Flapping up there in the wind.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; American Flag


SONG OF THE BROAD-AXE    Poem Text    
First Line: Weapon shapely, naked, wan
Last Line: Shapes bracing the earth and braced with the whole earth.
Subject(s): Axes; Earth; Hatchets; World


SONG OF THE EXPOSITION    Poem Text    
First Line: Ah little recks the laborer
Last Line: Our freedom all in thee! Our very lives in thee!
Subject(s): Freedom; United States; Liberty; America


SONG OF THE EXPOSITION       
First Line: Come muse migrate from greece and ionia
Last Line: For know a better, fresher, busier sphere, a wide, untried %domain awaits, demands you


SONG OF THE OPEN ROAD    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open road
Last Line: Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?
Subject(s): Wandering & Wanderers; Wanderlust; Vagabonds; Tramps; Hoboes


SONG OF THE REDWOOD-TREE    Poem Text    
First Line: A california song
Last Line: To build a grander future.
Subject(s): California; Sequoia Trees; Redwoods


SONG OF THE UNIVERSAL    Poem Text    
First Line: Come said the muse
Last Line: And all the world a dream.
Subject(s): Religion; Theology


SOON SHALL THE WINTER'S FOIL BE HERE    Poem Text    
Last Line: For such the scenes the annual play brings on
Subject(s): Winter


SOUL, REACHING, THROWING OUT FOR LOVE       
Last Line: You fathomless latent souls of love - you pent and unknown oceans of love!


SOUNDS OF THE WINTER    Poem Text    
First Line: Sounds of the winter too
Last Line: Forth from these snowy hairs we keep up yet the lilt.
Subject(s): Winter


SPAIN, 1873-1874    Poem Text    
First Line: Out of the murk of heaviest clouds
Last Line: Thou waitest there as everywhere thy time.
Subject(s): Spain


SPARKLES FROM THE WHEEL    Poem Text    
First Line: Where the city's ceaseless crowd moves on the livelong day
Last Line: Sparkles from the wheel.


SPECIMEN DAYS: A JULY AFTERNOON BY THE POND       
First Line: The fervent heat, but so much more endurable in this pure air - the
Last Line: Yet may - be the most real reality and formulator of everything - who %knows?
Subject(s): July; Nature; Summer


SPECIMEN DAYS: ABRAHAM LINCOLN       
First Line: August 12th. - I see the president almost every day, as I happen to live
Last Line: Of two or three centuries ago is needed
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Paintings And Painters; Portraits; Presidents, United States; White House (washington, D.c.)


SPECIMEN DAYS: DEATH OF A WISCONSIN OFFICER       
First Line: Another characteristic scene of that dark and bloody 1863, from notes
Last Line: They yield the field
Subject(s): Blood; Hospitals; Nurses; Physicians; Soldiers; War Injuries


SPECIMEN DAYS: LOAFING IN THE WOODS       
First Line: March 8. - I write this down in the country again, but in a new spot
Last Line: #name?
Subject(s): Birds; Forests; Nature


SPECIMEN DAYS: PATENT-OFFICE HOSPITAL       
First Line: February 23. - I must not let the great hospital at the patent-office pass
Last Line: From there, and it is now vacant again
Subject(s): Amputees; Hospitals; Medicine; Military Service, Voluntary; Nurses; War Injuries


SPECIMEN DAYS: THE REAL WAR WILL NEVER GET IN THE BOOKS       
First Line: And so good-bye to the war. I know not how it may have been, or may
Last Line: Military, has already been - buried in the grave, in eternal darkness
Subject(s): Army - United States; Hospitals; Sickness; Soldiers; War Injuries


SPIRIT THAT FORM'D THIS SCENE (WRITTEN IN PLATTE CANON, COLORADO)       


SPIRIT WHOSE WORK IS DONE (WASHINGTON CITY, 1865)    Poem Text    
First Line: Spirit whose work is done -- spirit of dreadful hours!
Last Line: Let them identify you to the future in these songs.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


SPONTANEOUS ME    Poem Text    
First Line: Spontaneous me, nature
Last Line: It has done its work -- I toss it carelessly to fall where it may.


STALLION, FR. SONG OF MYSELF       
First Line: A gigantic beauty of a stallion, fresh and responsive to my
Subject(s): Sports


STARTING FROM PAUMANOK    Poem Text    
First Line: Starting from fish-shape paumanok where I was born
Last Line: O to haste firm holding -- to haste, haste on with me.
Subject(s): Long Island (n.y.); Religion; Theology


STATES!    Poem Text    
First Line: States! / were you looking to be held together by lawyers?
Last Line: Of lovers tie you.
Subject(s): United States; America


STILL THOUGH THE ONE I SING    Poem Text    
Last Line: I leave in him revolt, (o latent right of insurrection! O quenchless, indispensable fire!)
Subject(s): Revolutions


STRONGER LESSONS    Poem Text    
First Line: Have you learn'd lessons only of those who admired you
Last Line: You with contempt, or dispute the passage with you?


SUNRISE       
First Line: Darkies looking at the sun as it rose, a round red
Last Line: Yes, said the other, but it looks mighty ambitious.'


SUPPLEMENT HOURS    Poem Text    
First Line: Sane, random, negligent hours
Last Line: The silent sun and stars.


TEARS    Poem Text    
First Line: Tears! Tears! Tears! / in the night, in solitude, tears
Last Line: Of tears! Tears! Tears!
Subject(s): Grief; Tears; Sorrow; Sadness


TESTS    Poem Text    
First Line: All submit to them where they sit, inner, secure, unapproachable to analysis
Last Line: Corroborate far and near without one exception.


THANKS IN OLD AGE - THANKS ERE I GO       


THAT MUSIC ALWAYS ROUND ME    Poem Text    
First Line: That music always round me, unceasing, unbeginning, yet long untaught
Last Line: Think I begin to know them.


THAT SHADOW MY LIKENESS    Poem Text    
First Line: That shadow my likeness that goes to and fro seeking livlihood
Last Line: O I never doubt whether that is really me.


THE ARTILLERYMAN'S VISION    Poem Text    
First Line: While my wife at my side lies slumbering, and the wars are over long
Last Line: And bombs bursting in air, and at night the vari-color'd rockets.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Army Life; United States - History; Drills & Minor Tactics


THE BASE OF ALL METAPHYSICS    Poem Text    
First Line: And now gentlemen
Last Line: Of city for city and land for land.
Subject(s): Metaphysics


THE BEAUTIFUL SWIMMER    Poem Text    
First Line: I see a beautiful gigantic swimmer swimming naked through the eddies of the sea
Last Line: Swiftly and out of sight is borne the brave corpse.
Subject(s): Drowning; Gays & Lesbians


THE BEAUTY OF THE SHIP    Poem Text    
First Line: When, staunchly entering port
Last Line: I only saw, at last, the beauty of the ship.
Subject(s): Sea; Ships & Shipping; Ocean


THE BRAVEST SOLDIERS    Poem Text    
First Line: Brave, brave were the soldiers (high named to-day) who lived through the fight
Last Line: But the bravest press'd to the front and fell, unnamed, unknown.
Subject(s): Courage; Soldiers; Valor; Bravery


THE CALMING THOUGH OF ALL    Poem Text    
First Line: That coursing on, whate'er men's speculations
Last Line: The round earth's silent vital laws, facts, modes continue.


THE CENTENARIAN'S STORY    Poem Text    
First Line: Give me your hand, old revolutionary
Last Line: Stands forever the camp of that dead brigade.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Brooklyn, New York; Old Age; United States - History; Veterans


THE CITY DEAD-HOUSE    Poem Text    
First Line: By the city dead-house by the gate
Last Line: Months, years, an echoing, garnish'd house -- but dead, dead, dead.
Subject(s): Death; Prostitution; Dead, The; Harlots; Whores; Brothels


THE COMMONPLACE    Poem Text    
First Line: The commonplace I sing
Last Line: The democratic wisdom underneath, like solid ground for all.
Subject(s): Democracy


THE DALLIANCE OF THE EAGLES    Poem Text    
First Line: Skirting the river road, (my forenoon walk, my rest,)
Last Line: She hers, he his, pursuing.
Subject(s): Birds; Eagles


THE DEAD EMPEROR    Poem Text    
First Line: To-day, with bending head and eyes, thou, too, columbia
Last Line: Mourning a good old man -- a faithful shepherd, patriot.
Subject(s): Alexander Ii, Czar Of Russia (1818-1881)


THE DEAD TENOR    Poem Text    
First Line: As down the stage again
Last Line: To memory of thee.
Subject(s): Singing & Singers


THE DEAR LOVE OF COMRADES    Poem Text    
First Line: I hear it was charged against me that I sought to destroy institutions
Last Line: The institution of the dear love of comrades.


THE DISMANTLED SHIP    Poem Text    
First Line: In some unused lagoon, some nameless bay,
Last Line: Lies rusting, mouldering.
Subject(s): Decay; Ships & Shipping; Rot; Decadence


THE DYING VETERAN; A LONG ISLAND INCIDENT - EARLY PART PRESENT CENTURY    Poem Text    
First Line: Amid these days of order, ease, prosperity
Last Line: "give me my old wild battle-life again!"
Subject(s): Veterans


THE FEW DROPS KNOWN    Poem Text    
First Line: Of heroes, history, grand events, premises, myths, poems
Last Line: What are they to the long and copious retrospect of antiquity?


THE FIRST DANDELION    Poem Text    
First Line: Simple and fresh and fair from winter's close
Last Line: The spring's first dandelion shows its trustful face.
Subject(s): Dandelions; Flowers; Weeds


THE LAST INVOCATION    Poem Text    
First Line: At the last, tenderly
Last Line: Strong is your hold o love.)
Variant Title(s): The Imprisoned Soul
Subject(s): Immortality; Religion; Theology


THE MYSTIC TRUMPETER    Poem Text    
First Line: Hark, some wild trumpeter, some strange musician
Last Line: Joy! Joy! All over joy!
Subject(s): Happiness; Joy; Delight


THE OX-TAMER    Poem Text    
First Line: In a far-away northern county in the placid pastoral region
Last Line: In the northern county far, in the placid pastoral region.
Subject(s): Animals; Oxen


THE PALLID WREATH    Poem Text    
First Line: Somehow I cannot let it go yet, funeral though it is
Last Line: It is not yet dead to me, nor even pallid.


THE PRAIRIE STATES    Poem Text    
First Line: A newer garden of creation, no primal solitude
Last Line: To justify the past.
Subject(s): Middle West; Midwest; Old Northwest; Central States; North Central States


THE PRAIRIE-GRASS DIVIDING    Poem Text    
First Line: The prairie-grass dividing, its special odor breathing
Last Line: Those of inland america.
Subject(s): Prairies; United States; Plains; America


THE RETURN OF THE HEROES    Poem Text    
First Line: For the lands and for these passionate days and for myself
Last Line: Under the beaming sun and under thee.
Variant Title(s): Where None Intrudes
Subject(s): Americans; Reconstruction (1865-1876)


THE ROUNDED CATALOGUE DIVINE COMPLETE'    Poem Text    
First Line: The devilish and the dark, the dying and diseas'd
Last Line: The barren soil, the evil men, the slag and hideous rot
Subject(s): Evil


THE RUNNER    Poem Text    
First Line: On a flat road runs the well-train'd runner
Last Line: With lightly closed fists and arms partially rais'd.
Subject(s): Athletes; Sports


THE SHIP STARTING    Poem Text    
First Line: Lo! The unbounded sea!
Last Line: They surround the ship with shining curving motions and foam.
Subject(s): Science; Scientists


THE SINGER IN THE PRISON    Poem Text    
First Line: O sight of pity, shame and dole!
Last Line: O fearful thought -- a convict soul.
Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Convicts


THE SLEEPERS (VERSION OF 1881)    Poem Text    
First Line: I wander all night in my vision
Last Line: I will duly pass the day o my mother, and duly return to you.


THE SOBBING OF THE BELLS (MIDNIGHT, SEPT. 19-20, 1881)    Poem Text    
First Line: The sobbing of the bells, the sudden death-news every
Last Line: Those heart-beats of a nation in the night.
Subject(s): Assassination; Garfield, James Abram (1831-1881)


THE TORCH    Poem Text    
First Line: On my northwest coast in the midst of the night a fishermen's group stands
Last Line: Bearing a torch ablaze at the prow.


THE UNEXPRESS'D    Poem Text    
First Line: How dare one say it?
Last Line: (who knows? The best yet unexpress'd and lacking.)


THE UNITED STATES TO OLD WORLD CRITICS    Poem Text    
First Line: Here first the duties of to-day, the lessons of the concrete
Last Line: The solid-planted spires tall shooting to the stars.
Subject(s): United States; America


THE UNTOLD WANT    Poem Text    
First Line: The untold want by life and land ne'er granted
Last Line: Now voyager sail thou forth to seek and find.


THE VOICE OF THE RAIN    Poem Text    
First Line: And who art thou? Said I to the soft-falling shower
Last Line: Reck'd or unreck'd, duly with love returns.)
Subject(s): Rain; Rivers


THE WALLABOUT MARTYRS    Poem Text    
First Line: Greater than memory of achilles or ulysses
Last Line: The stepping stones to thee to-day and here, america.
Subject(s): American Revolution; New York City - Revolutionary Period


THE WORLD BELOW THE BRINE       


THE WOUND-DRESSER    Poem Text     Recitation
First Line: An old man bending I come among new faces
Last Line: Many a soldier's kiss dwells on these bearded lips.)
Variant Title(s): The Dresser
Subject(s): American Civil War; Nurses; Travel; United States - History; War; Journeys; Trips


THEN SHALL PERCEIVE    Poem Text    
First Line: In softness, languor, bloom, and growth
Last Line: Shall rouse and fill -- then shall perceive!


THERE WAS A CHILD WENT FORTH    Poem Text    
First Line: There was a child went forth every day,
Last Line: And who now goes, and will always go forth every day.
Subject(s): Children; Mothers; Childhood


THESE CAROLS    Poem Text    
First Line: These carols sung to cheer my passage through the world I see
Last Line: For completion I dedicate to the invisible world.


THESE I SINGING IN SPRING    Poem Text    
First Line: These I singing in spring collect for lovers
Last Line: Am capable of loving.


THICK-SPRINKLED BUNTING! FLAG OF STARS!       


THINK OF THE SOUL    Poem Text    
Last Line: See, hear, and am silent
Subject(s): Men; Women; Soul; Racism; Past; Death; Social Commentaries; Grief; Conduct Of Life


THIS COMPOST: 1.    Poem Text    
First Line: Something startles me where I thought I was safest
Last Line: I am sure I shall expose some of the foul meat.
Subject(s): Earth; World


THIS COMPOST: 2.    Poem Text    
First Line: Behold this compost! Behold it well!
Last Line: Leavings from them at last.
Subject(s): Earth; World


THIS DAY, O SOUL    Poem Text    
First Line: This day, o soul, I give you a wondrous mirror
Last Line: Faithfully showing you all the things of the world.


THIS IS WHAT YOU SHALL DO       
Last Line: Every motion and joint of your body
Subject(s): Life Change Events


THIS MOMENT YEARNING AND THOUGHTFUL    Poem Text    
First Line: This moment yearning and thoughtful sitting alone
Last Line: I know I should be happy with them.


THOU MOTHER WITH THY EQUAL BROOD       


THOU ORB ALOFT FULL-DAZZLING    Poem Text    
First Line: Thou orb aloft full-dazzling! Thou hot october noon!
Last Line: Prepare my starry nights.
Subject(s): Stars


THOU READER    Poem Text    
First Line: Thou reader throbbest life and pride and love the same as I
Last Line: Therefore for thee the following chants.
Subject(s): Books; Reading


THOUGHT (1)    Poem Text    
First Line: As I sit with others, at a great feast, suddenly, while the music is playing
Last Line: Is only matter triumphant?
Subject(s): Religion; Theology


THOUGHT (2)    Poem Text    
First Line: Of obedience, faith, adhesiveness
Last Line: The lead of those who do not believe in men.
Subject(s): United States; America


THOUGHT (3)    Poem Text    
First Line: Of justice - as if justice could be anything but the same ample law
Last Line: As if it might be this thing or that thing, according to decisions.
Subject(s): Justice


THOUGHT (4)    Poem Text    
First Line: Of equality - as if harm'd me
Last Line: Indispensable to my own rights that others possess the same.
Subject(s): Equality


THOUGHT (5)    Poem Text    
First Line: Of persons arrived at high positions, ceremonies, wealth, scholarships
Last Line: Walking the dusk.)
Subject(s): Social Classes; Caste


THOUGHT (6)    Poem Text    
First Line: Of what I write from myself - as if that were not the resume
Last Line: The lives of heroes.


THOUGHTS (1)    Poem Text    
First Line: Of ownership - as if one fit to own things could not at pleasure enter upon all
Last Line: Purport in what will vet be supplied.


THOUGHTS (2)    Poem Text    
First Line: Of these years I sing
Last Line: To savageness and freedom?)


THOUGHTS (3)    Poem Text    
First Line: Of public opinion
Last Line: Of the envelopment of all by them, and the effusion of all from them.


TO A CERTAIN CANTATRICE    Poem Text    
First Line: Here, take this gift
Last Line: Much as to any.


TO A CERTAIN CIVILIAN    Poem Text    
First Line: Did you ask dulcet rhymes from me?
Last Line: For I lull nobody, and you will never understand me.
Subject(s): American Civil War; United States - History


TO A COMMON PROSTITUTE    Poem Text    
First Line: Be composed - be at ease with me - I am walt whitman, liberal and lusty
Last Line: Not forget me.
Subject(s): Prostitution; Harlots; Whores; Brothels


TO A FOIL'D EUROPEAN REVOLUTIONAIRE    Poem Text    
First Line: Courage yet, my brother or my sister!
Last Line: And that death and dismay are great.
Subject(s): Europe; Freedom; Revolutions; Liberty


TO A HISTORIAN    Poem Text    
First Line: You who celebrate bygones
Last Line: I project the history of the future.
Subject(s): History; Historians


TO A LOCOMOTIVE IN WINTER    Poem Text    
First Line: Thee for my recitative
Last Line: To the free skies unpent and glad and strong.
Subject(s): Locomotives


TO A PRESIDENT    Poem Text    
First Line: All you are doing and saying is to america dangled mirages
Last Line: Off from these states.
Subject(s): Buchanan, James. President (1791-1868); Presidents, United States; United States; America


TO A PUPIL    Poem Text    
First Line: Is reform needed? Is it through you?
Last Line: Rest not till you rivet and publish yourself of your own personality.
Subject(s): Schools; Students


TO A STRANGER    Poem Text    
First Line: Passing stranger! You do not know how longingly I look upon you,
Last Line: I am to see to it that I do not lose you.


TO A WESTERN BOY    Poem Text    
First Line: Many things to absorb I teach to help you become eleve of mine
Last Line: Of what use is it that you seek to become eleve of mine?
Subject(s): Children; Childhood


TO BE AT ALL    Poem Text    
First Line: To be at all - what is better than that?
Last Line: Between me and whatever I wanted.


TO FOREIGN LANDS    Poem Text    
First Line: I heard that you ask'd for something to prove this puzzle the new world
Last Line: Therefore I send you my poems that you behold in them what you wanted.
Subject(s): United States; America


TO GET THE FINAL LILT OF SONGS    Poem Text    
Last Line: Old age, and what it brings from all its past experiences
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Old Age


TO HIM THAT WAS CRUCIFIED    Poem Text    
First Line: My spirit to yours, dear brother
Last Line: Races, ages to come, may prove brethren and lovers as we are.
Subject(s): Bible; Jesus Christ; Religion; Theology


TO OLD AGE    Poem Text    
First Line: I see in you the estuary that enlarges and spreads
Last Line: Grandly as it pours in the great sea.
Subject(s): Old Age


TO ONE SHORTLY TO DIE    Poem Text    
First Line: From all the rest I single out you, having a message for you
Last Line: I do not commiserate, I congratulate you.
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


TO RICH GIVERS    Poem Text    
First Line: What you give me I cheerfully accept
Last Line: Gifts of the universe.
Subject(s): Gifts & Giving


TO SOAR IN FREEDOM AND IN FULNESS OF POWER    Poem Text    
First Line: I have not so much emulated the birds that musically sing
Last Line: Power, joy, volition.
Subject(s): Freedom; Liberty


TO THE EAST AND TO THE WEST       


TO THE GARDEN THE WORLD    Poem Text    
First Line: To the garden the world anew ascending
Last Line: Or in front, and I following her just the same.
Subject(s): Bible; Religion; Theology


TO THE LEAVEN'D SOIL THEY TROD    Poem Text    
First Line: To the leaven'd soul they trod calling I sing for the last
Last Line: But the hot sun of the south is to fully ripen my songs.
Subject(s): Reconstruction (1865-1876)


TO THE MAN-OF-WAR-BIRD    Poem Text    
First Line: Thou who hast slept all night upon the storm
Last Line: What joys! What joys were thine!
Subject(s): Birds; Hawks; Storms


TO THE PENDING YEAR    Poem Text    
First Line: Have I no weapon-word for thee -- some message brief and fierce?
Last Line: Crouch low thy neck to eleemosynary gifts.
Subject(s): Holidays; New Year


TO THE STATES. TO IDENTIFY THE 16TH, 17TH, OR 18TH PRESIDENTIAD    Poem Text    
First Line: Why reclining, interrogating? Why myself and all drowsing
Last Line: South, north, east, west, inland and seaboard, we will surely awake.)
Subject(s): Men; Politics & Government; Presidents, United States; United States; America


TO THE SUN-SET BREEZE    Poem Text    
First Line: Ah, whispering, something again, unseen
Last Line: Hast thou no soul? Can I not know, identify thee?


TO THEE OLD CAUSE!    Poem Text    
Last Line: Around the idea of thee
Subject(s): Peace Movements


TO THINK OF TIME    Poem Text    
First Line: To think of time - of all that retrospection
Last Line: And life and materials are altogether for it!
Subject(s): Time


TO THINK OF TIME (DIFFERENT VERSION)       
First Line: To think of time - to think through the retrospection
Last Line: And all preparation is for it - and identity is for it - and life and death are for it
Subject(s): Time


TO THOSE WHO'VE FAIL'D, IN ASPIRATION VAST    Poem Text    
Last Line: Quench'd by an early death
Subject(s): Failure


TO WHAT YOU SAID       
First Line: To what you said, passionately clasping my hand
Last Line: What to these young men that travel with me?


TO YOU (1)    Poem Text    
First Line: Stranger, if you passing meet me and desire to speak to me
Last Line: And why should I not speak to you?


TO YOU (2)    Poem Text    
First Line: Let us twain walk aside from the rest
Last Line: Husband, or physician.


TO YOU (3)    Poem Text    
First Line: Whoever you are, I fear you are walking the walk of dreams
Last Line: You are picks its way.


TO-DAY AND THEE    Poem Text    
First Line: The appointed winners in a long-stretch'd game
Last Line: The heirdom all converged in thee!


TRANSPOSITIONS    Poem Text    
First Line: Let the reformers descend from the stands where they are forever bawling
Last Line: Let them that distrust birth and death lead the rest.


TRICKLE DROPS    Poem Text    
First Line: Trickle drops! My blue veins leaving!
Last Line: Let it all be seen in your light, blushing drops.


TRUE CONQUERORS    Poem Text    
First Line: Old farmers, travelers, workmen (no matter how crippled or bent)
Last Line: True conquerors o'er all the rest.
Subject(s): Old Age


TURN O LIBERTAD    Poem Text    
First Line: Turn o libertad, for the war is over
Last Line: Is swiftly, surely preparing for you.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; United States - History; Liberty


TWENTY YEARS    Poem Text    
First Line: Down on the ancient wharf, the sand, I sit, with a new-comer chatting
Last Line: Of the future?)
Subject(s): Time


TWILIGHT    Poem Text    
First Line: The soft voluptuous opiate shades
Last Line: A haze -- nirwana -- rest and night -- oblivion.
Subject(s): Evening; Sunset; Twilight


TWO MYSTERIES       
First Line: We know not what it is, dear, this sleep so deep and still
Subject(s): Death - Children


TWO MYSTERIES       
First Line: In the middle of the room, in its white coffin, lay the dead
Subject(s): Death - Children


TWO RIVULETS    Poem Text    
First Line: Two rivulets side by side
Last Line: Your breast so broad, with open arms, o firm, expanded shore!)
Subject(s): Rivers


UNFOLDED OUT OF THE FOLDS    Poem Text    
First Line: Unfolded out of the folds of the woman man comes unfolded
Last Line: In himself.
Subject(s): Mankind; Human Race


UNNAMED LANDS    Poem Text    
First Line: Nations ten thousand years before these states, and many times ten thousand
Last Line: Unnamed lands.


UNSEEN BUDS    Poem Text    
First Line: Unseen buds, infinite, hidden well
Last Line: And waiting ever more, forever more behind.
Subject(s): Religion; Theology


VIGIL STRANGE I KEPT ON THE FIELD ONE NIGHT       


VIRGINIA - THE WEST    Poem Text    
First Line: The noble sire fallen on evil days
Last Line: For you provided me washington -- and now these also.
Subject(s): American Civil War; Confederate States Of America; United States - History; Virginia (state); Confederacy


VISOR'D    Poem Text    
First Line: A mask, a perpetual natural disguiser of herself
Last Line: Falling upon her even when she sleeps.


VOCALISM    Poem Text    
First Line: Vocalism, measure, concentration, determination, and the divine power to speak
Last Line: Lies slumbering forever ready in all words.


WALT WHITMAN'S CAUTION    Poem Text    
First Line: To the states, or any one of them, or any city of the states
Last Line: Ever afterward resumes its liberty.
Subject(s): Slavery; United States; Serfs; America


WANDERING AT MORN    Poem Text    
Last Line: Destin'd to fill the world
Subject(s): Social Commentaries


WARBLE FOR LILAC TIME    Poem Text    
First Line: Warble me now for joy of lilac-time
Last Line: A warble for joy of lilac-time, returning in reminiscence.


WASHINGTON'S MONUMENT, FEBRUARY, 1885    Poem Text    
First Line: Ah, not this marble, dead and cold
Last Line: Stands or is rising thy true monument.
Subject(s): Washington Monument


WE TWO BOYS TOGETHER CLINGING       


WE TWO, HOW LONG WE WERE FOOL'D       


WEAVE IN, WEAVE IN, MY HARDY LIFE       


WEDDING OUT WEST       
First Line: I saw the marriage of the trapper in the open air
Last Line: Limbs and reach'd to her feet
Subject(s): Love - Marital; Marriage


WHAT AM I AFTER ALL    Poem Text    
First Line: What am I after all but a child, pleas'd with the sound of my own name?
Last Line: Pronunciations in the sound of your name?
Subject(s): Names


WHAT BEST I SEE; TO U.S.G. RETURN'D FROM HIS WORLD'S TOUR    Poem Text    
First Line: What best I see in thee
Last Line: Were all so justified.
Subject(s): Grant, Ulysses Simpson (1822-1885)


WHAT ENDURES?, FR. SONG OF THE BLOOD-AXE       
First Line: Nothing endures but personal qualities
Subject(s): Courage


WHAT PLACE IS BESIEGED?    Poem Text    
First Line: What place is besieged, and vainly tries to raise the siege?
Last Line: And artillery-men, the deadliest that ever fired gun.


WHAT SHIP PUZZLED AT SEA    Poem Text    
First Line: What ship puzzled at sea, cons for the true reckoning?
Last Line: Whom, in a little boat, putting off and rowing, I hailing you offer.


WHAT THINK YOU I TAKE MY PEN IN HAND?       


WHEN I HEARD AT THE CLOSE OF THE DAY    Poem Text    
First Line: When I heard at the close of the day how my name had been receiv'd
Last Line: And his arm lay lightly around my breast--and that night I was happy.
Subject(s): Love - Marital; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love


WHEN I HEARD THE LEARN'D ASTRONOMER       


WHEN I PERUSE THE CONQUER'D FAME    Poem Text    
First Line: When I peruse the conquer'd fame of heroes and the victories of mighty generals
Last Line: Bitterest envy.
Subject(s): Envy; Love


WHEN I READ THE BOOK    Poem Text    
First Line: When I read the book, the biography famous
Last Line: I seek for my own use to trace out here.)
Subject(s): Life


WHEN LILAC LAST       
First Line: O how shall I warble myself for the dead one there I loved?
Last Line: I'll perfume the grave of him I love


WHEN THE FULL-GROWN POET CAME       


WHILE NOT THE PAST FORGETTING    Poem Text    
Last Line: Wreaths of roses and branches of palm
Subject(s): Reconstruction (1865-1876); Past; Brotherhood


WHISPERS OF HEAVENLY DEATH    Poem Text    
First Line: Whispers of heavenly death murmur'd I hear
Last Line: Some soul is passing over.)
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


WHITE HOUSE BY MOONLIGHT       
First Line: A spell of fine weather


WHO IS NOW READING THIS?    Poem Text    
Last Line: Or as if it could cease transpiring from me until it must cease
Subject(s): Self; Relationships


WHO LEARNS MY LESSON COMPLETE?    Poem Text    
Last Line: And that they balance themselves with the sun and stars is equally wonderfu
Subject(s): Time; Knowledge


WHOEVER YOU ARE HOLDING ME NOW IN HAND    Poem Text    
Last Line: Therefore release me, and depart on your way
Subject(s): Relationships


WITH ALL THY GIFTS AMERICA    Poem Text    
Last Line: The mothers fit for thee?
Subject(s): United States; Women


WITH ANTECEDENTS       


WITH HUSKY-HAUGHTY LIPS, O SEA    Poem Text    
Last Line: Thou tellest to a kindred soul.
Subject(s): Sea


WORLD TAKE GOOD NOTICE    Poem Text    
First Line: World take good notice, silver stars fading
Last Line: Now and henceforth flaunt from these shores.
Subject(s): American Civil War; U.s. - History


YEAR OF METEORS (1859-60)    Poem Text    
First Line: Year of meteors! Brooding year!
Last Line: What am I myself but one of your meteors?
Subject(s): Meteors


YEAR THAT TREMBLED AND REEL'D BENEATH ME    Poem Text    
Last Line: And sullen hymns of defeat?
Subject(s): Grief


YEARS OF THE MODERN    Poem Text    
First Line: Years of the modern! Years of the unperform'd!
Last Line: The unperform'd, more gigantic than ever, advance, advance upon me.
Subject(s): Patriotism


YET, YET, YE DOWNCAST HOURS, I KNOW YE ALSO    Poem Text    
Last Line: A young man's voice, shall I not escape?
Subject(s): Despair


YONNONIDO    Poem Text    
First Line: A song, a poem of itself - the word itself a dirge
Last Line: Then blank and gone and still, and utterly lost.
Subject(s): Native Americans; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America


YOU FELONS ON TRIAL IN COURTS    Poem Text    
Last Line: And henceforth I will not deny them—for how can I deny myself?
Subject(s): Crime & Criminals; Trials


YOU LINGERING SPARSE LEAVES OF ME    Poem Text    
First Line: You lingering sparse leaves of me on winter-nearing boughs
Last Line: The faithfulest -- hardiest -- last.
Subject(s): Environment; Trees; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation


YOUTH, DAY, OLD AGE AND NIGHT    Poem Text    
First Line: Youth, large, lusty, loving -- youth full of grace, force, fascination,
Last Line: And restoring darkness.
Subject(s): Youth