'When I Heard At The Close Of The Day' by Walt Whitman
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WHEN I heard at the close of the day how my name had been receiv'd
with plaudits in the capitol, still it was not a happy night
for me that follow'd;
And else, when I carous'd, or when my plans were accomplish'd, still
I was not happy;
But the day when I rose at dawn from the bed of perfect health,
refresh'd, singing, inhaling the ripe breath of autumn,
When I saw the full moon in the west grow pale and disappear in the
morning light,
When I wander'd alone over the beach, and undressing, bathed,
laughing with the cool waters, and saw the sun rise,
And when I thought how my dear friend, my lover, was on his way
coming, O then I was happy;
O then each breath tasted sweeter--and all that day my food nourish'd
me more--and the beautiful day pass'd well,
And the next came with equal joy--and with the next, at evening, came
my friend;
And that night, while all was still, I heard the waters roll slowly
continually up the shores,
I heard the hissing rustle of the liquid and sands, as directed to
me, whispering, to congratulate me,10
For the one I love most lay sleeping by me under the same cover in
the cool night,
In the stillness, in the autumn moonbeams, his face was inclined
toward me,
And his arm lay lightly around my breast--and that night I was happy.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"When I Heard at the Close of the Day" by Walt Whitman
Have you ever been in a moment of complete stillness, where the world around you seems to fade away and you're left alone with the peace of the moment? That's what reading Walt Whitman's "When I Heard at the Close of the Day" feels like. In this poem, Whitman speaks to the soul with a gentle voice that feels like a warm embrace.
Let's dive deeper into the themes of this poem and explore the ways in which Whitman crafts his words to create an emotional and spiritual experience for the reader.
Form and Structure
Before we dive into the content of the poem, let's take a moment to appreciate its structure. "When I Heard at the Close of the Day" is a free verse poem, meaning it doesn't follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, Whitman allows his words to flow freely, giving them room to breathe and evoke emotion in their own way.
The poem is structured as a single stanza with fourteen lines. Each line is filled with rich imagery and sensory experience, inviting the reader to step into Whitman's world and experience it for themselves.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in "When I Heard at the Close of the Day" is the idea of stillness and peace. The speaker describes a moment of silence in which he hears the "mystical deliria" of the earth. This moment, in which the world seems to stand still, is a moment of clarity and connection to the universe.
Whitman also explores the theme of mortality in this poem. The speaker contemplates the inevitability of death and the idea that we are all connected in the cycle of life and death. He speaks of the "voices of the dead" and the "fading reminiscences" that remind us of our own mortality.
Finally, there is a sense of spirituality and reverence for the natural world in "When I Heard at the Close of the Day". The speaker describes the earth as a "great orchestra" and speaks of the "cosmic consciousness" that connects all living things. This sense of interconnectedness and wonder is a recurring theme in Whitman's poetry.
Language and Imagery
Whitman's use of language in "When I Heard at the Close of the Day" is nothing short of breathtaking. He paints vivid pictures with his words, inviting the reader to see, hear, and feel the world around them.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the earth as a "great orchestra". This metaphor brings to mind the idea that all living things are part of a larger, harmonious whole. Whitman's use of sensory language also adds to this effect - he speaks of the "perfumes of the golden sea" and the "cool night breeze".
The speaker's contemplation of mortality is also filled with rich imagery. He speaks of the "voiceless sands" and the "fading reminiscences" that remind us of our own mortality. These images add to the sense of stillness and timelessness in the poem.
Interpretation
So what is Whitman trying to say in "When I Heard at the Close of the Day"? At its core, this poem is about finding peace and connection in a world that can often feel chaotic and disconnected.
By inviting the reader into a moment of stillness and contemplation, Whitman reminds us of the beauty and interconnectedness of all living things. He urges us to find peace in the cycle of life and death, and to embrace the natural world with reverence and wonder.
Conclusion
"When I Heard at the Close of the Day" is a truly beautiful poem that speaks to the soul in a profound way. Whitman's use of language and imagery creates a world that feels both grand and intimate, inviting the reader to experience it for themselves.
Through his exploration of stillness, mortality, and spirituality, Whitman encourages us to find peace and connection in a world that can often feel overwhelming. His words are a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is beauty and harmony to be found.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When I Heard At The Close Of The Day: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse, is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. His works are known for their unconventional style, vivid imagery, and profound themes. Among his many masterpieces, "When I Heard at the Close of the Day" stands out as a timeless piece that captures the essence of life, death, and the human experience. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and meaning to understand why it has become a classic.
Structure
"When I Heard at the Close of the Day" is a short poem consisting of only two stanzas. The first stanza has six lines, while the second has eight. The poem follows a free verse structure, which means that it does not conform to any specific rhyme or meter. Instead, Whitman uses a natural rhythm that mimics the ebb and flow of life. The poem's structure is simple, yet effective, as it allows the reader to focus on the message rather than the form.
Language
Whitman's use of language in "When I Heard at the Close of the Day" is both simple and profound. He uses everyday words and phrases to convey deep emotions and ideas. For example, in the first line, he writes, "When I heard at the close of the day how my name had been receiv'd with plaudits in the capitol." This line is straightforward and easy to understand, but it also carries a sense of pride and accomplishment. Whitman uses the word "plaudits" to describe the applause he received, which elevates the moment from a simple act of recognition to a grand celebration.
Throughout the poem, Whitman uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the world around him. In the second stanza, he writes, "The day, an immense and stormy sunset, shot with crimson." This line paints a picture of a dramatic sunset, with the sky ablaze with red and orange hues. The use of the word "immense" adds to the grandeur of the scene, while the word "stormy" suggests a sense of turbulence and chaos.
Meaning
At its core, "When I Heard at the Close of the Day" is a meditation on life and death. Whitman reflects on his own mortality and the legacy he will leave behind. He writes, "And I ponder'd on the lesson my dying form involuntarily taught." Here, he acknowledges that death is inevitable and that it is a powerful teacher. He also recognizes that his life has meaning and that he has made an impact on the world. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of the time we have.
Whitman also touches on the theme of fame and recognition. He writes, "How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick." This line suggests that even though he has achieved fame and recognition, it has not brought him the happiness he expected. He is tired and sick of the constant attention and scrutiny. This theme is particularly relevant in today's society, where social media and celebrity culture have made fame more accessible than ever before.
Conclusion
"When I Heard at the Close of the Day" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life, death, and the human experience. Whitman's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of the world around him, while his reflections on mortality and fame are timeless and universal. The poem's structure is simple yet effective, allowing the reader to focus on the message rather than the form. Overall, "When I Heard at the Close of the Day" is a testament to Whitman's genius and a reminder of the power of poetry to capture the human spirit.
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