I Celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.
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CONGRATS being chosen by Poem Hunter and Team as The Modern Poem Of The Day.5 Stars!
TWO: It celebrates the self while acknowledging the collective human experience, emphasizing the importance of nature and the universal bond shared by humanity.
ONE: This poem explores themes of individuality, democracy, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Whitman begins his long poem at age 37, in perfect health. 'Leaves of Grass', which contains 'Song of Myself', would occupy him for the rest of his long life. He revised often, for one thing. 'I Celebrate myself, and sing myself'-so original. He identifies with humanity, ' For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you'.
The most fascinating persona of 19th century American literature introduces itself. The voice is simply impossible to ignore. Is the poem to follow 'too long'? We hope not.
First section, and introduction, to possibly the best modern American poem. Song of Myself, in full, captures the essence of Whitman's poetic vision. When I first read this poem I was captured by it from the very first line. Pure poetry. (Whitman's first version of Son of Myself published did not have the words and sing myself. I prefer the original version.)
Hardly one of his best poems. Puzzles me how they are selected. Sometimes I think PH just has their computers pick one at random.
Exalted sense of being and belonging. A profound poem.
'Leaves of Grass' would have been my choice, an inspired exceptional poem, 'Song Of Myself' is more an old friend and an introduction.
A timeless classic I would love to read again and again for years and years to come.