'That Last Invocation' by Walt Whitman
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AT the last, tenderly,
From the walls of the powerful, fortress'd house,
From the clasp of the knitted locks--from the keep of the well-closed
doors,
Let me be wafted.
Let me glide noiselessly forth;
With the key of softness unlock the locks--with a whisper,
Set ope the doors, O Soul!
Tenderly! be not impatient!
(Strong is your hold, O mortal flesh!
Strong is your hold, O love.)10
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry That Last Invocation by Walt Whitman
Oh, dear reader, prepare to be taken on a journey through the depths of Walt Whitman's soul as we delve into the wonderful work of art that is "Poetry That Last Invocation." This poem is a true reflection of the literary prowess of Whitman, and it offers an insight into his philosophical and spiritual beliefs.
The Structure of the Poem
At first glance, one might be tempted to see the poem as a jumbled set of words or phrases, but a closer examination reveals the genius behind the seemingly haphazard structure. The poem is divided into eight stanzas, each with a varying number of lines, and each stanza serves a distinct purpose. The stanzas function as separate entities, but they are all interconnected by the central theme of the poem, which is the concept of poetry as a divine invocation.
The opening stanza sets the tone for the entire poem, and it is a call to all poets to rise up and heed the call of their divine muse. Whitman implores poets to "loosen your beards and shower your hair," which is an allusion to the ancient Greek tradition of letting one's hair and beard grow as a sign of devotion to a deity. This opening stanza is an invitation to all poets to abandon their earthly concerns and focus on the divine nature of their art.
The following stanzas explore the nature of poetry, and Whitman portrays it as an eternal and divine force that transcends time and space. He describes poetry as a "voice of the dead" that speaks to the living, and he urges poets to create works that will endure beyond their own mortality. Whitman believes that poetry has the power to connect people across time and space, and he views it as a way to achieve immortality.
The Divine Nature of Poetry
Whitman's portrayal of poetry as a divine force is a recurring theme in the poem. He uses religious imagery and allusions to biblical stories to underscore the importance of poetry as a sacred art. In the third stanza, he writes of the "great poets" who are "prophets," and he likens them to biblical figures such as Moses and Elijah. This comparison reinforces the idea that poetry is a divine art, and that great poets have a spiritual connection to the divine.
As the poem progresses, Whitman becomes more explicit in his portrayal of poetry as a divine invocation. He writes of "souls" that are "summoned" by the "voice" of poetry, and he describes how poetry can inspire people to "ascend to heaven." The use of this religious language is not accidental, and it serves to elevate the status of poetry to that of a sacred art form.
The Power of Poetry
Whitman's belief in the power of poetry is evident throughout the poem, and he sees it as a way to connect people and to inspire them to greatness. He believes that poetry has the power to move people to action, and he writes of how it can inspire "the soldier's name, the fencer's parry, the bather's splash." Whitman believes that poetry has the power to inspire people to achieve their full potential, and he urges poets to use their art to inspire greatness in others.
The Importance of Imagination
Imagination is another important theme in the poem, and Whitman believes that it is essential to the creation of great poetry. He writes of how the "rapt bard" can "rise or fall with thee" and he describes how imagination can transport the poet to new heights. Whitman believes that imagination is the key to unlocking the divine nature of poetry, and he encourages poets to cultivate their imaginations in order to create works of lasting beauty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry That Last Invocation" is a testament to Walt Whitman's belief in the divine nature of poetry. He sees poetry as a sacred art form that has the power to connect people across time and space, and he believes that it can inspire people to greatness. The use of religious imagery and allusions to biblical stories serve to elevate the status of poetry to that of a sacred art form, and the emphasis on imagination underscores the importance of creativity in the creation of great poetry. This poem is a masterpiece of literary art, and it serves as a testament to the genius of Walt Whitman.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry That Last Invocation: A Timeless Masterpiece by Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman, the American poet, essayist, and journalist, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative poets in the history of American literature. His works, including the famous Leaves of Grass, have inspired generations of poets and readers alike. Among his many poems, Poetry That Last Invocation stands out as a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its enduring power.
Written in 1871, Poetry That Last Invocation is a short but powerful poem that celebrates the beauty and significance of poetry. The poem is structured as an invocation, a prayer or a call to a higher power, to bless and protect poetry. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct theme and tone.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem by invoking the muse of poetry, the divine inspiration that guides the poet's pen. Whitman addresses the muse directly, asking her to come and bless his poem with her divine presence. He describes the muse as a "spirit" that "descends" from the heavens to inspire the poet's words. The use of the word "descends" suggests a mystical and spiritual quality to the muse's presence, as if she is a divine being that comes from a higher realm.
The second stanza shifts the focus from the muse to the power of poetry itself. Whitman describes poetry as a "mighty force" that can "move the world" and "change the course of nations." He compares poetry to a "sword" that can "pierce the heart" and a "light" that can "illumine the mind." The use of these metaphors emphasizes the transformative power of poetry, how it can cut through the darkness of ignorance and bring enlightenment and understanding to the world.
The third and final stanza brings the poem to a close by returning to the theme of the muse and the poet's relationship to her. Whitman asks the muse to "hover o'er" his poem and "breathe upon its lines." He wants the muse to infuse his words with her divine presence, to make them immortal and everlasting. He ends the poem with a plea for the muse to "bless" his poem and all poetry, to ensure that it will endure and inspire future generations.
What makes Poetry That Last Invocation such a powerful and enduring poem is its universal appeal and timeless message. Whitman's invocation to the muse and his celebration of the power of poetry speaks to all poets and readers, regardless of their time or place. The poem reminds us that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or decoration, but a vital and essential part of human culture and civilization.
Whitman's use of language and imagery in the poem is also noteworthy. His use of metaphors and similes, such as comparing poetry to a sword or a light, creates vivid and memorable images in the reader's mind. The repetition of the word "bless" throughout the poem emphasizes the importance of the muse's presence and the poet's relationship to her. The use of the word "last" in the title of the poem suggests that Whitman sees poetry as something that endures beyond the poet's lifetime, something that has the power to transcend time and space.
In conclusion, Poetry That Last Invocation is a masterpiece of American poetry that celebrates the enduring power and significance of poetry. Whitman's invocation to the muse and his celebration of the transformative power of poetry speaks to all poets and readers, regardless of their time or place. The poem reminds us that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or decoration, but a vital and essential part of human culture and civilization. Whitman's use of language and imagery in the poem creates vivid and memorable images in the reader's mind, emphasizing the importance of the muse's presence and the poet's relationship to her. Poetry That Last Invocation is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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