'From Pent-Up Aching Rivers' by Walt Whitman
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From pent-up aching rivers,
From that of myself without which I were nothing,
From what I am determin'd to make illustrious, even if I stand sole
among men,
From my own voice resonant, singing the phallus,
Singing the song of procreation,
Singing the need of superb children and therein superb grown people,
Singing the muscular urge and the blending,
Singing the bedfellow's song, (O resistless yearning!
O for any and each the body correlative attracting!
O for you whoever you are your correlative body! O it, more than all
else, you delighting!)
From the hungry gnaw that eats me night and day,
From native moments, from bashful pains, singing them,
Seeking something yet unfound though I have diligently sought it
many a long year,
Singing the true song of the soul fitful at random,
Renascent with grossest Nature or among animals,
Of that, of them and what goes with them my poems informing,
Of the smell of apples and lemons, of the pairing of birds,
Of the wet of woods, of the lapping of waves,
Of the mad pushes of waves upon the land, I them chanting,
The overture lightly sounding, the strain anticipating,
The welcome nearness, the sight of the perfect body,
The swimmer swimming naked in the bath, or motionless on his back
lying and floating,
The female form approaching, I pensive, love-flesh tremulous aching,
The divine list for myself or you or for any one making,
The face, the limbs, the index from head to foot, and what it
arouses,
The mystic deliria, the madness amorous, the utter abandonment,
(Hark close and still what I now whisper to you,
I love you, O you entirely possess me,
O that you and I escape from the rest and go utterly off, free and
lawless,
Two hawks in the air, two fishes swimming in the sea not more
lawless than we;)
The furious storm through me careering, I passionately trembling.
The oath of the inseparableness of two together, of the woman that
loves me and whom I love more than my life, that oath swearing,
(O I willingly stake all for you,
O let me be lost if it must be so!
O you and I! what is it to us what the rest do or think?
What is all else to us? only that we enjoy each other and exhaust
each other if it must be so;)
From the master, the pilot I yield the vessel to,
The general commanding me, commanding all, from him permission
taking,
From time the programme hastening, (I have loiter'd too long as it
is,)
From sex, from the warp and from the woof,
From privacy, from frequent repinings alone,
From plenty of persons near and yet the right person not near,
From the soft sliding of hands over me and thrusting of fingers
through my hair and beard,
From the long sustain'd kiss upon the mouth or bosom,
From the close pressure that makes me or any man drunk, fainting
with excess,
From what the divine husband knows, from the work of fatherhood,
From exultation, victory and relief, from the bedfellow's embrace in
the night,
From the act-poems of eyes, hands, hips and bosoms,
From the cling of the trembling arm,
From the bending curve and the clinch,
From side by side the pliant coverlet off-throwing,
From the one so unwilling to have me leave, and me just as unwilling
to leave,
(Yet a moment O tender waiter, and I return,)
From the hour of shining stars and dropping dews,
From the night a moment I emerging flitting out,
Celebrate you act divine and you children prepared for,
And you stalwart loins.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"From Pent-Up Aching Rivers" by Walt Whitman: A Celebration of Nature and Expression
"From Pent-Up Aching Rivers" is a classic poem by Walt Whitman that beautifully captures the power and beauty of nature, as well as the depth and complexity of human emotion. This poem is a celebration of life, love, and self-expression, and it invites the reader to explore the vast and endless possibilities of existence.
The Poem: An Overview
The poem is composed of four stanzas, each with six lines, and it follows the free verse style that Whitman is known for. The poem begins with a powerful image of "Pent-up aching rivers," which suggests a sense of urgency and restlessness. The rivers are described as "melancholy" and "dull," and they seem to be in need of release.
However, the mood of the poem quickly changes as Whitman introduces the image of "the sea." The sea is described as "vast," "mighty," and "joyous," and it represents a sense of freedom and release. The sea is able to absorb the aching rivers, and in doing so, it transforms them into something beautiful and powerful.
In the second stanza, Whitman introduces the idea of "savage old mother," which is a metaphor for nature. The mother is described as "sparse," "willing," and "unrestrained," and she is able to give birth to new life and possibilities. The mother is also able to provide a sense of comfort and security, as she is able to "nurse" and sustain her children.
The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful, as Whitman explores the theme of self-expression. He encourages the reader to "urge and urge and urge," and to "rejoice with [their] song." He suggests that everyone has something to say, and that it is important to speak one's truth and to express oneself fully.
Finally, in the fourth stanza, Whitman brings the poem to a close by celebrating the beauty of life and the world around us. He describes the "great city" and the "bright landscapes," and he suggests that they are all part of a larger, interconnected whole. He invites the reader to celebrate life and to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Interpretation and Analysis
At its core, "From Pent-Up Aching Rivers" is a celebration of nature and expression. The poem suggests that nature has the power to transform and renew, and that self-expression is a vital part of the human experience. Whitman urges the reader to embrace their own voice and to speak their truth, and he suggests that this is the key to a full and meaningful life.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Whitman draws on a wide range of images, from the aching rivers to the vast sea, from the savage mother to the bright city. Each image is carefully chosen to evoke a particular mood or emotion, and they all work together to create a vivid and powerful portrait of the world around us.
The image of the aching rivers is particularly powerful, as it suggests a sense of restlessness and yearning. The rivers are described as "melancholy" and "dull," which suggests a sense of ennui and dissatisfaction. However, the image of the sea provides a powerful contrast, as it suggests a sense of freedom and release. The sea is able to absorb the aching rivers, and in doing so, it transforms them into something beautiful and powerful.
The metaphor of the "savage old mother" is also striking, as it suggests a sense of wildness and unpredictability. The mother is able to give birth to new life and possibilities, but she is also able to destroy and consume. However, despite this potential for danger, the mother is also able to provide a sense of comfort and security, as she is able to "nurse" and sustain her children.
The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful, as Whitman encourages the reader to embrace their own voice and to speak their truth. He suggests that everyone has something to say, and that it is important to express oneself fully. This is a powerful message, as it suggests that self-expression is not only important for the individual, but for society as a whole.
Finally, in the fourth stanza, Whitman brings the poem to a close by celebrating the beauty of life and the world around us. He suggests that everything is connected, and that even the "great city" is part of a larger, natural whole. This is a powerful reminder that we are all part of something larger than ourselves, and that we have a responsibility to care for and appreciate the world around us.
Conclusion
"From Pent-Up Aching Rivers" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the power and beauty of nature, as well as the depth and complexity of human emotion. It is a reminder that self-expression and creativity are vital parts of the human experience, and that we all have something to say. The poem is a celebration of life, love, and self-expression, and it invites the reader to explore the vast and endless possibilities of existence.
Whitman's use of imagery is particularly striking, as he draws on a wide range of images to create a vivid and powerful portrait of the world around us. The image of the aching rivers, the savage mother, and the bright city are all carefully chosen to evoke a particular mood or emotion, and they all work together to create a powerful and moving poem.
In the end, "From Pent-Up Aching Rivers" is a celebration of life and the world around us. It is a reminder that we are all part of something larger than ourselves, and that we have a responsibility to care for and appreciate the world around us. It is a beautiful and powerful poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
From Pent-Up Aching Rivers: A Poem of Freedom and Liberation
Walt Whitman, the great American poet, is known for his celebration of democracy, individualism, and the beauty of nature. His poem, From Pent-Up Aching Rivers, is a powerful expression of these themes, as well as a call for freedom and liberation. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the image of "pent-up aching rivers" that are "yearning restless" to break free. This metaphorical language suggests a sense of confinement and frustration, as if something is being held back from its natural course. This could be interpreted as a reference to the human spirit, which is often constrained by societal norms and expectations. Whitman seems to be suggesting that there is a deep longing within us all to break free from these constraints and express ourselves fully.
The next stanza continues this theme, as Whitman describes the "long-suppressed" voices of the people. He writes that these voices are "loos'd to the eddies of the wind," suggesting that they are finally being set free. This could be interpreted as a reference to the struggle for civil rights and equality, which was a major issue in Whitman's time. The voices of marginalized groups, such as African Americans and women, were often suppressed and ignored. Whitman seems to be celebrating the fact that these voices are finally being heard and acknowledged.
The third stanza shifts the focus to nature, as Whitman describes the "mighty and many-threaded rivers" that flow through the land. He writes that these rivers are "pouring their floods" and "swelling the sea-tides." This language suggests a sense of power and abundance, as if nature is overflowing with life and energy. This could be interpreted as a reference to the natural world as a source of inspiration and renewal. Whitman seems to be suggesting that by connecting with nature, we can tap into a deeper sense of vitality and creativity.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of freedom and liberation, as Whitman writes that "the spirit of freedom is filling the world." He describes this spirit as "like a breeze" that is "blowing everywhere." This language suggests a sense of movement and change, as if the winds of freedom are sweeping across the land. This could be interpreted as a reference to the political and social changes that were taking place in Whitman's time. The abolition of slavery, the women's suffrage movement, and other progressive causes were all part of a larger movement towards greater freedom and equality.
The fifth stanza continues this theme, as Whitman writes that "the people are rising" and "the future is grand." He describes a sense of optimism and hope, as if a new era of progress and prosperity is on the horizon. This could be interpreted as a reference to Whitman's belief in the power of democracy and the potential of the American people. He seems to be suggesting that by working together and embracing our shared humanity, we can create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as Whitman writes that "the past is dead" and "the present is alive." He describes a sense of liberation and renewal, as if the old ways of thinking and being are being left behind. This could be interpreted as a reference to the need for change and transformation in our personal and collective lives. Whitman seems to be suggesting that by letting go of the past and embracing the present moment, we can open ourselves up to new possibilities and experiences.
In conclusion, From Pent-Up Aching Rivers is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the themes of freedom, liberation, and the beauty of nature. Through its use of metaphorical language and vivid imagery, Whitman invites us to connect with our deepest desires and aspirations, and to embrace the winds of change that are blowing across the land. Whether we interpret the poem as a reference to the struggle for civil rights, the power of democracy, or the need for personal transformation, it remains a timeless expression of the human spirit and our shared quest for meaning and purpose.
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