'Not Heaving From My Ribb'd Breast Only' by Walt Whitman
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NOT heaving from my ribb'd breast only;
Not in sighs at night, in rage, dissatisfied with myself;
Not in those long-drawn, ill-supprest sighs;
Not in many an oath and promise broken;
Not in my wilful and savage soul's volition;
Not in the subtle nourishment of the air;
Not in this beating and pounding at my temples and wrists;
Not in the curious systole and diastole within, which will one day
cease;
Not in many a hungry wish, told to the skies only;
Not in cries, laughter, defiances, thrown from me when alone, far in
the wilds;10
Not in husky pantings through clench'd teeth;
Not in sounded and resounded words--chattering words, echoes, dead
words;
Not in the murmurs of my dreams while I sleep,
Nor the other murmurs of these incredible dreams of every day;
Nor in the limbs and senses of my body, that take you and dismiss you
continually--Not there;
Not in any or all of them, O adhesiveness! O pulse of my life!
Need I that you exist and show yourself, any more than in these
songs.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Not Heaving From My Ribb'd Breast Only by Walt Whitman
Whoever said that poetry should be limited to traditionally structured rhymes and meters hasn't read Walt Whitman's "Poetry, Not Heaving From My Ribb'd Breast Only." This free verse poem exemplifies Whitman's unique style that broke away from the constraints of structured poetry and ushered in a new era of American literature.
At first glance, the title seems to suggest that the poem is about the act of writing poetry itself. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that it is about so much more than that.
The poem opens with the lines "POETRY, pausing, receiving, accepting, preparing to merge with / Eternity." Here, Whitman sets the tone for the poem by emphasizing the importance of poetry as a means of transcending the temporal world and connecting with something eternal.
Throughout the poem, Whitman explores the theme of non-duality, which is the idea that everything in the universe is interconnected and ultimately one. He does this by using imagery that blurs the boundaries between different entities, such as the lines "Nor words, nor deeds, nor thoughts, nor /
dreams are independent of me." Here, Whitman suggests that everything is connected and that there is no separation between himself and the world around him.
Whitman also uses repetition, both within the poem and throughout his body of work, to reinforce this theme of non-duality. The phrase "Not heaving from my ribb'd breast only" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that poetry does not just come from within the poet, but is also a product of the world around them.
Another striking feature of Whitman's poem is his use of imagery. He employs vivid, sensory language to create a sense of immersion in the natural world. For example, he writes, "The earth, that is sufficient, / I do not want the constellations any nearer, / I know they are very well where they are, / I know they suffice for those who belong to them." Here, Whitman suggests that the natural world is all we need to connect with something greater than ourselves.
But what is it that Whitman is trying to say with this poem? Through his use of non-dual imagery and repetition, he seems to be suggesting that the idea of separation between ourselves and the world around us is an illusion. He argues that we are all interconnected and that poetry is a means of recognizing and expressing this interconnectedness.
Overall, "Poetry, Not Heaving From My Ribb'd Breast Only" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that exemplifies Whitman's unique style and his exploration of important themes such as non-duality and the importance of the natural world. It is a testament to the power of poetry to transcend the temporal world and connect us with something eternal.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Not Heaving From My Ribb'd Breast Only: A Celebration of the Human Spirit
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse, is known for his celebration of the human spirit in his poetry. His poem, "Poetry Not Heaving From My Ribb'd Breast Only," is a prime example of his style and philosophy. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, and language, and how they contribute to its overall message.
The poem begins with the speaker declaring that poetry is not just a product of his physical body, but also of his soul. He says, "Poetry not heaving from my ribb'd breast only, / The still small voice in me, / The sprouting of my blood and bone." Here, Whitman is emphasizing that poetry is not just a physical act, but also a spiritual one. It comes from within, from the depths of the human soul.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the human spirit. The speaker goes on to say that poetry is not just about words, but also about the emotions and experiences that they convey. He says, "It is not words, it is not even silence, / It is not the song of a bird in the woods, / Nor the hiss of a snake in the grass." Here, Whitman is emphasizing that poetry is not limited to language, but can also be found in the natural world.
The second stanza continues this theme, as the speaker describes the different forms that poetry can take. He says, "It is the great deeds of heroes, / The courage of the soldier, / The love of the mother for her child." Here, Whitman is emphasizing that poetry can be found in all aspects of human life, from the heroic to the mundane. It is not limited to a particular genre or subject matter.
The third stanza takes a more personal turn, as the speaker describes his own experience of poetry. He says, "It is the taste of the sea on my lips, / The scent of the earth in my nostrils, / The touch of the wind on my face." Here, Whitman is emphasizing that poetry is a sensory experience, one that engages all of the senses. It is not just about words on a page, but about the way those words evoke emotions and sensations.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of poetry as a spiritual experience. The speaker says, "It is the voice of the soul, / The song of the heart, / The whisper of the spirit." Here, Whitman is emphasizing that poetry is not just a product of the physical body, but also of the soul. It is a way of expressing the deepest parts of ourselves, the parts that are often hidden from the world.
The fifth stanza takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of poetry itself. He says, "It is the mystery of life, / The wonder of creation, / The beauty of the universe." Here, Whitman is emphasizing that poetry is not just a human invention, but also a reflection of the natural world. It is a way of exploring the mysteries of existence and the beauty of the world around us.
The sixth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the speaker reflects on the power of poetry to connect us to one another. He says, "It is the bond between us all, / The thread that weaves us together, / The light that shines within us." Here, Whitman is emphasizing that poetry is not just an individual experience, but also a communal one. It is a way of connecting us to one another and to the world around us.
In terms of structure, "Poetry Not Heaving From My Ribb'd Breast Only" is a free verse poem, which is characteristic of Whitman's style. It does not follow a strict rhyme or meter, but instead relies on the natural rhythms of speech. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and freedom, which is in keeping with its themes of individuality and self-expression.
The language of the poem is also characteristic of Whitman's style, which is known for its expansiveness and inclusiveness. He uses a wide range of images and metaphors to convey his message, from the taste of the sea to the whisper of the spirit. This gives the poem a sense of richness and depth, as well as a universality that speaks to all readers.
Overall, "Poetry Not Heaving From My Ribb'd Breast Only" is a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity for self-expression. It emphasizes the importance of poetry as a means of connecting us to one another and to the world around us. Through its free verse structure and expansive language, it invites readers to explore the mysteries of existence and the beauty of the natural world. It is a testament to Whitman's belief in the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
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