'Thought' by Walt Whitman


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AS they draw to a close,
Of what underlies the precedent songs--of my aims in them;
Of the seed I have sought to plant in them;
Of joy, sweet joy, through many a year, in them;
(For them--for them have I lived--In them my work is done;)
Of many an aspiration fond--of many a dream and plan,
Of you, O mystery great!--to place on record faith in you, O death!
--To compact you, ye parted, diverse lives!
To put rapport the mountains, and rocks, and streams,
And the winds of the north, and the forests of oak and pine,10
With you, O soul of man.


Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, Thought" by Walt Whitman: A Masterpiece of Poetic Genius

If there is one thing that Walt Whitman's "Poetry, Thought" teaches us, it is that poetry is not just a form of creative expression but also a means of exploring the deepest thoughts and emotions that reside within us. This poem, which is one of Whitman's most famous works, is a testament to the power of poetry to touch the hearts and minds of readers, and to inspire them to think and reflect on the world around them.

At its core, "Poetry, Thought" is an ode to the art of poetry itself. It celebrates the beauty and power of words, and their ability to convey the most profound human emotions and experiences. Whitman begins the poem by describing poetry as "the most sublime deed and word," and goes on to extol its virtues throughout the entire poem.

One of the most striking things about "Poetry, Thought" is the way that Whitman uses language to convey his message. His use of repetition and parallelism creates a powerful rhythm that draws the reader in and carries them along with the poem's message. At the same time, his use of imagery and metaphor helps to create vivid and evocative images that bring the poem's message to life.

For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Whitman compares poetry to a "sea of waves" that can "roll away indifferently," or "rise again" with "mighty power." This image of the sea is a powerful metaphor for the fluidity and power of language, and it captures the way that poetry can ebb and flow with the changing tides of human thought and experience.

Throughout the rest of the poem, Whitman explores a variety of themes related to poetry and its impact on the human psyche. He speaks of the power of poetry to "fill the soul with joy and peace," to "awaken the deepest emotions," and to "bring the heart into communion with nature." He also speaks of how poetry can help us to find meaning and purpose in life, and to connect with our fellow human beings on a deeper level.

One of the most interesting things about "Poetry, Thought" is the way that it invites the reader to participate in the act of poetic creation. Whitman encourages his readers to "sing the song of the soul and of the earth," and to "let the poet's soul emerge from within." This invitation to join in the act of poetic creation is a powerful statement about the way that poetry can be a collaborative and communal art form, one that connects us with each other and with our shared human experience.

Overall, "Poetry, Thought" is a masterpiece of poetic genius, one that captures the beauty and power of poetry in all its glory. Through its evocative language, powerful imagery, and insightful themes, this poem speaks to the human heart and mind, inviting us to explore the world around us and to connect with our deepest thoughts and emotions. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of language, this poem is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the power of words at their finest.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Walt Whitman's "Poetry Thought" is a classic piece of literature that has been studied and analyzed by scholars for decades. This poem is a reflection of Whitman's thoughts on the nature of poetry and its role in society. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs present in "Poetry Thought" and examine how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

The poem begins with the lines, "To think of time—of all that retrospection! / To think of to-day, and the ages continued henceforward!" These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the past, present, and future. Whitman is contemplating the passage of time and how it affects poetry. He is also considering the role of poetry in shaping the future.

The next stanza begins with the lines, "Have you reckon'd a thousand acres much? have you reckon'd the earth much?" Here, Whitman is asking the reader to consider the vastness of the world and the universe. He is suggesting that poetry should be as expansive as the world itself. Poetry should not be limited to small, personal experiences, but should encompass the entire human experience.

Whitman continues this theme in the next stanza, where he writes, "Have you practis'd so long to learn to read?" Here, he is asking the reader if they have spent their entire lives learning to read and understand the world around them. He is suggesting that poetry should be a reflection of this lifelong learning process. It should be a reflection of the human experience and the knowledge that we gain throughout our lives.

The next stanza is perhaps the most famous in the poem. It begins with the lines, "Stop this day and night with me and you shall possess the origin of all poems." Here, Whitman is inviting the reader to stop and reflect with him. He is suggesting that poetry is not just a collection of words on a page, but a reflection of the human experience. By stopping and reflecting, we can tap into the essence of poetry and understand its true meaning.

Whitman continues this theme in the next stanza, where he writes, "You shall possess the good of the earth and sun, (there are millions of suns left,)" Here, he is suggesting that poetry should be a celebration of life. It should be a reflection of the beauty and wonder of the world around us. By celebrating life, we can tap into the true essence of poetry and understand its true meaning.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. It begins with the lines, "The past and present wilt—I have fill'd them, emptied them, / And proceed to fill my next fold of the future." Here, Whitman is suggesting that poetry has the power to shape the future. By reflecting on the past and present, we can create a better future. Poetry is not just a reflection of the world around us, but a tool for shaping it.

In conclusion, "Poetry Thought" is a powerful reflection on the nature of poetry and its role in society. Whitman suggests that poetry should be expansive, reflecting the entire human experience. It should be a celebration of life and a reflection of the beauty and wonder of the world around us. By reflecting on the past and present, we can create a better future. "Poetry Thought" is a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.

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