Walt Whitman has been regarded as one of the greats among poets. Walt was born on May 31, 1819 in Long Island, New York. There are few people that live out their dreams and even fewer that reach the pedestal known as success. But Walt Whitman was a man that accomplished just that. Walt came from a big family. He had 8 siblings. His mother was a homemaker and his father was a carpenter, home builder and farmer. Walt attended Brooklyn Public Schools. At 12 years old, he began working at the printer and fell in love with the written word. Though mostly self-taught he was a voracious reader. 

Walt built his career as an editor. He was once an obscure figure in the poetry and literary world until he published “Leaves of Grass” in 1855. He created multiple revisions and lengthened the collection many times before his passing in 1892. Walt was 37 years old when he self-published the book that would give him notary and acclaim throughout the world. Despite the technological advancements of the 21st century it is highly unlikely for a self-published book to perform well. The expertise and abilities of Whitman changed that narrative forever and has sent many poets and writers down the path of self-publishing. 

Whitman’s love of nature influenced many of his poems that made him famous. It can be inferred that his connection to writing poetry about the outdoors came from the incredible life he lived in Huntington, New York. His birthplace is now a historic site and an interpretive center that expands the reach of poetry and writing for those who are inspired by his work. He died on March 26, 1892. 

Whitman has been criticized for his views on slavery. It has been reported that his views on slavery were constantly shifting. He was forever changed after viewing a slave auction in New Orleans. According to poets.org, “Whitman’s attitudes about race have been described as “unstable and inconsistent.” He did not always side with the abolitionists, yet he celebrated human dignity.”

Beginners

How they are provided for upon the earth, (appearing at intervals,)

How dear and dreadful they are to the earth,

How they inure to themselves as much as to any -what a paradox appears their age,

How people respond to them, yet know them not,

How there is something relentless in their fate all times,

How all times mischoose the objects of their adulation and reward,

And how the same inexorable price must still be paid for the same great purchase.

By: Walt Whitman

My Freestyle Poetic Response: 

To Start

We began together making our way from the safe shore 

Kicking up laissez-faire sand 

Before gathering up our courage and making our way to sea 

What awaits us is strong tides and a powerful breeze 

Surrounded by water but we still thirst 

Some people overcame the challenges 

Other people which their efforts drown 

To kick and reach for hours and days to learn how to swim with sharks 

You may thrive or you may crumble but your attempt will take you far 

By: Esha