Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SMALL THE THEME OF MY CHANT, by WALT WHITMAN


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SMALL THE THEME OF MY CHANT, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
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.)


Small the theme of my Chant, yet the greatest -- namely,
One's-Self -- a simple, separate person. That, for
the use of the New World, I sing.
Man's physiology complete, from top to toe, I sing. Not
physiognomy alone, nor brain alone, is worthy for the
Muse; -- I say the Form complete is worthier far. The
Female equally with the Male, I sing.
Nor cease at the theme of One's-Self. I speak the word of
the modern, the word En-Masse.
My Days I sing, and the Lands -- with interstice I knew of
hapless War.
(O friend, whoe'er you are, at last arriving hither to
commence, I feel through every leaf the pressure of
your hand, which I return.
And thus upon our journey, footing the road, and more than
once, and link'd together let us go.)





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