18 Famous Walt Whitman Poems & Quotes

Walt Whitman was a famous American poet who lived from 1819 to 1892. He wrote many poems that people still love today. 

His most famous book of poems is called "Leaves of Grass." Some of his best-known poems are "O Captain! My Captain!" and "Song of Myself." 

Whitman's poems talk about America, nature, and the human spirit in new ways. His words can help us feel connected to others and appreciate the world around us. 

According to the Modern Language Association (MLA) survey, p60% of American literary studiesrograms include Walt Whitman’s work in their curriculum.

Reading Whitman's poems can make us think deeply about life and feel inspired. So, let’s explore together his famous poems and quotes.

Whitman had a unique way of finding beauty and meaning in everyday American life. This perspective can be both comforting and inspiring:

"When you’re stuck in traffic but feel free"

"‘I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear’ – Walt Whitman"

Short poems by Walt Whitman

Whitman's short poems pack big feelings into a few words. They often talk about nature, love, and life in a simple but powerful way.

1. O Captain! My Captain!

Written in: 1865

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

But O heart! heart! heart!

O the bleeding drops of red,

Where on the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,

For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!

This arm beneath your head!

It is some dream that on the deck,

You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,

The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;

Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

But I with mournful tread,

Walk the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

Summary

This poem is about a captain who led his ship through a difficult journey, but just as they reach their goal, he tragically dies. The speaker celebrates the victory but is heartbroken by the captain's death. It's a mix of joy for the success and deep sadness for the loss.

2. Noiseless Patient Spider

Written in: 1865

A noiseless patient spider,

I mark’d where on a little promontory it stood isolated,

Mark’d how to explore the vacant vast surrounding,

It launch’d forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself,

Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them.

And you O my soul where you stand,

Surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space,

Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them,

Till the bridge you will need be form’d, till the ductile anchor hold,

Till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, O my soul.

Summary 

This poem compares a spider spinning its web to the soul's search for connections in the vastness of life. The spider patiently weaves its threads, just as the soul seeks to create links and find meaning. It reflects the idea of perseverance in the face of isolation and emptiness.

3. As I Ponder'd in Silence

Written in: 1855

As I ponder'd in silence,

Returning upon my poems, considering, lingering long,

A Phantom arose before me, with distrustful aspect,

Terrible in beauty, age, and power,

The genius of poets of old lands,

As to me directing like flame its eyes,

With finger pointing to many immortal songs,

And menacing voice, What singest thou? it said;

Know'st thou not, there is but one theme for ever-enduring bards?

And that is the theme of War, the fortune of battles,

The making of perfect soldiers?

Be it so, then I answer'd,

I too, haughty Shade, also sing war—and a longer and greater one than any,

Waged in my book with varying fortune—with flight, advance, and retreat—Victory deferr'd and wavering,

(Yet, methinks, certain, or as good as certain, at the last,)—The field the world;

For life and death—for the Body, and for the eternal Soul,

Lo! too am come, chanting the chant of battles,

I, above all, promote brave soldiers.

Summary

The poem talks about a spirit that tells the poet war is the most important topic for great poems. The poet agrees but says he writes about a bigger war, the struggles of life and the soul. He wants to inspire people to be brave.

Poems about America

Whitman wrote poems that show his love for America and its people. He talks about the beauty of American land and the idea that everyone in America is important.

4. I Hear America Singing 

Written in: 1860

I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,

Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,

The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,

The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,

The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,

The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,

The wood-cutter’s song, the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown,

The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing,

Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,

The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,

Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.

Summary 

In the poem "I Hear America Singing," Walt Whitman describes different people working and singing happily about their jobs. He shows how each person, from mechanics to mothers, sings their own special song while they work. The poem celebrates the joy and pride everyone feels in their daily tasks.

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5. To a Historian

Written in: 1881

YOU who celebrate bygones,

Who have explored the outward, the surfaces of the races, the life

 that has exhibited itself,

Who have treated of man as the creature of politics, aggregates,

rulers and priests,

I, habitan of the Alleghanies, treating of him as he is in himself

in his own rights,

Pressing the pulse of the life that has seldom exhibited itself, (the

great pride of man in himself,)

Chanter of Personality, outlining what is yet to be,

I project the history of the future.

Summary

In this poem, the speaker contrasts their focus on the personal and individual side of people with others who study politics and leaders. They see themselves as someone who values and describes people's true selves and their inner strength. They believe they are shaping how people will be understood in the future.

6. Starting from Paumanok

Written in: 1855

From Paumanok starting I fly like a bird,

Around and around to soar to sing the idea of all,

To the north betaking myself to sing there arctic songs,

To Kanada till I absorb Kanada in myself, to Michigan then,

To Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, to sing their songs, (they are inimitable;)

Then to Ohio and Indiana to sing theirs, to Missouri and Kansas and Arkansas to sing theirs,

To Tennessee and Kentucky, to the Carolinas and Georgia to sing theirs,

To Texas and so along up toward California, to roam accepted everywhere;

To sing first, (to the tap of the war-drum if need be,)

The idea of all, of the Western world one and inseparable,

And then the song of each member of these States.

Summary

In this poem, the speaker describes traveling across the United States, singing songs about each place they visit. They start from their home and journey through many states, celebrating the unique qualities of each one while connecting them all together. The poem shows how the speaker sees the whole country as a unified and special place.

Walt Whitman love poems

Walt Whitman wrote love poems, including romantic and friendly love. His poems often show how love can be powerful and meaningful, even in simple moments. Whitman uses clear and strong language to describe feelings of love and connection between people.

7. Sometimes with One I Love

Written in: 1860

Sometimes with one I love I fill myself with rage for fear I effuse unreturn’d love,

But now I think there is no unreturn’d love, the pay is certain one way or another

(I loved a certain person ardently and my love was not return’d,

Yet out of that I have written these songs).

Summary

In this poem, the writer feels angry because they fear their love isn't being returned. But now, they believe that love always gets a reward in some way. Even though their love wasn't returned, it helped them create these beautiful songs.

8. A Glimpse

Written in: 1881

A glimpse through an interstice caught,

Of a crowd of workmen and drivers in a bar-room around the stove late of a winter night, and I unremark’d seated in a corner,

Of a youth who loves me and whom I love, silently approaching and seating himself near, that he may hold me by the hand,

A long while amid the noises of coming and going, of drinking and oath and smutty jest,

There we two, content, happy in being together, speaking little, perhaps not a word.

Summary

In this poem, the speaker describes a quiet moment in a busy bar on a cold winter night. Amid the noise and activity, they sit with someone they care about, feeling happy and content just being together, even without talking much.

9. To a Stranger

Written in: 1856

Passing stranger! you do not know how longingly I look upon you,

You must be he I was seeking, or she I was seeking, (it comes to me as of a dream,)

I have somewhere surely lived a life of joy with you,

All is recall’d as we flit by each other, fluid, affectionate, chaste, matured,

You grew up with me, were a boy with me or a girl with me,

I ate with you and slept with you, your body has become not yours only nor left my body mine only,

You give me the pleasure of your eyes, face, flesh, as we pass, you take of my beard, breast, hands, in return,

I am not to speak to you, I am to think of you when I sit alone or wake at night alone,

I am to wait, I do not doubt I am to meet you again,

I am to see to it that I do not lose you.

Summary

In this poem, the speaker sees a stranger and feels a deep, familiar connection, like they have known each other forever. They sense that they have shared past experiences and joy with this person. The speaker believes they will meet again and hopes not to lose this special bond.

Walt Whitman Life Poems

Whitman wrote poems about everyday life and the beauty of being alive. His poems celebrate the human body, nature, and the joys of simple experiences.

10. O Me! O Life! 

Written in: 1865

Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring,

Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,

Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)

Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d,

Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,

Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,

The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?

Answer.

That you are here—that life exists and identity,

That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.

Summary 

In this poem, the speaker feels sad and confused by the challenges and meaningless things in life. Despite these struggles, the poem offers hope by reminding us that life is important and each person can add something special. The message is that even though life can be tough, we all have a role in the grand story of existence.

11. Miracles 

Written in: 1867

Why, who makes much of a miracle?

As to me I know of nothing else but miracles,

Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan,

Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky,

Or wade with naked feet along the beach just in the edge of the water,

Or stand under trees in the woods,

Or talk by day with any one I love, or sleep in the bed at night with any one I love,

Or sit at table at dinner with the rest,

Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car,

Or watch honey-bees busy around the hive of a summer forenoon,

Or animals feeding in the fields,

Or birds, or the wonderfulness of insects in the air,

Or the wonderfulness of the sundown, or of stars shining so quiet and bright,

Or the exquisite delicate thin curve of the new moon in spring;

These with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles,

The whole referring, yet each distinct and in its place.

To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle,

Every cubic inch of space is a miracle,

Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same,

Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.

To me the sea is a continual miracle,

The fishes that swim—the rocks—the motion of the waves—the 

ships with men in them,

What stranger miracles are there?

Summary

The poem says that everything in life is a miracle, big or small. Whether it's walking in the city, enjoying nature, or spending time with loved ones, everything is special and amazing. The sea, the animals, and even the stars are all part of these everyday miracles.

12. When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer

Written in: 1865

When I heard the learn’d astronomer,

When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,

When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,

When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,

How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,

Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself,

In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,

Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.

Summary

The poem describes how the speaker felt bored and sick during a lecture about stars. After leaving the classroom, they enjoyed a quiet moment alone under the stars, feeling amazed and peaceful.

Walt Whitman free verse poems

Whitman wrote free verse poetry without strict rules for rhythm or rhyme. His long, flowing lines spoke about everyday American life and people.

13. I Saw in Louisiana a Live-Oak Growing

Written in: 1860

I saw in Louisiana a live-oak growing,

All alone stood it and the moss hung down from the branches,

Without any companion it grew there uttering joyous leaves of dark green,

And its look, rude, unbending, lusty, made me think of myself,

But I wonder’d how it could utter joyous leaves standing alone there without its friend near, for I knew I could not,

And I broke off a twig with a certain number of leaves upon it, and twined around it a little moss,

And brought it away, and I have placed it in sight in my room,

It is not needed to remind me as of my own dear friends,

(For I believe lately I think of little else than of them,)

Yet it remains to me a curious token, it makes me think of manly love;

For all that, and though the live-oak glistens there in Louisiana solitary in a wide flat space,

Uttering joyous leaves all its life without a friend a lover near,

I know very well I could not.

Summary 

In Louisiana, the poet sees a lone live-oak tree with moss hanging from its branches. He feels like the tree, strong but lonely, and takes a twig from it as a reminder of friendship and love. The tree’s solitude makes him think about how he needs friends and cannot be happy alone like the tree.

14. Song of Myself

Written in: 1855

The past and present wilt—I have fill'd them, emptied them.

And proceed to fill my next fold of the future.

Listener up there! what have you to confide to me?

Look in my face while I snuff the sidle of evening,

(Talk honestly, no one else hears you, and I stay only a minute longer.)

Do I contradict myself?

Very well then I contradict myself,

(I am large, I contain multitudes.)

I concentrate toward them that are nigh, I wait on the door-slab.

Who has done his day's work? who will soonest be through with his supper?

Who wishes to walk with me?

Will you speak before I am gone? will you prove already too late?

Summary

In this poem, the speaker reflects on the past and future, showing that they embrace change and contradictions. They invite others to talk honestly and share their thoughts, while questioning who is ready to join them now. The poem captures a moment of seeking connection before it's too late.

15. A Farm Picture

Written in: 1860

THROUGH the ample open door of the peaceful country barn,

A sun-lit pasture field, with cattle and horses feeding;

And haze, and vista, and the far horizon, fading away.

Summary 

Through the big open door of a quiet barn, you can see a sunny field with cows and horses eating. The view goes on and on, with the mist and the faraway horizon slowly disappearing.

Walt Whitman’s poems about nature

Whitman wrote poems that talked about nature. His poems showed how beautiful and amazing the natural world is.

16. The Voice of the Rain 

Written in: 1885

And who art thou? said I to the soft-falling shower,

Which, strange to tell, gave me an answer, as here translated:

I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain,

Eternal I rise impalpable out of the land and the bottomless sea,

Upward to heaven, whence, vaguely form'd, altogether changed, and yet the same,

I descend to lave the drouths, atomies, dust-layers of the globe,

And all that in them without me were seeds only, latent, unborn;

And forever, by day and night, I give back life to my own origin,

and make pure and beautify it;

(For song, issuing from its birth-place, after fulfilment, Wandering,

Reck'd or unreck'd, duly with love returns.)

Summary

In this poem, the rain talks to the speaker, saying it is like a poem that comes from the earth and sea. The rain helps the land by bringing life to seeds and cleaning everything. It always comes back to where it started, just like a song that returns with love after being sung.

17. The Dalliance of the Eagles

Written in: 1880

SKIRTING the river road, (my forenoon walk, my rest,)

Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound, the dalliance of the eagles,

The rushing amorous contact high in space together,

The clinching interlocking claws, a living, fierce, gyrating wheel,

Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling,

In tumbling turning clustering loops, straight downward falling,

Till o'er the river pois'd, the twain yet one, a moment's lull,

A motionless still balance in the air, then parting, talons loosing,

Upward again on slow-firm pinions slanting, their separate diverse

flight,

She hers, he his, pursuing.

Summary

While walking near the river, I saw two eagles soaring together. They flew in a beautiful, tangled dance with their claws locked. After a moment, they separated and flew off in different directions.

18. To the Garden the World 

Written in: 1856

To the garden the world anew ascending,

Potent mates, daughters, sons, preluding,

The love, the life of their bodies, meaning and being,

Curious here behold my resurrection after slumber,

The revolving cycles in their wide sweep having brought me again,

Amorous, mature, all beautiful to me, all wondrous,

My limbs and the quivering fire that ever plays through them, for

reasons, most wondrous,

Existing I peer and penetrate still,

Content with the present, content with the past,

By my side or back of me Eve following,

Or in front, and I following her just the same.

Summary

In this poem, the speaker wakes up feeling refreshed and happy, appreciating the world and everything in it. They feel content with their life and enjoy the beauty around them. The speaker also feels connected to Eve, whether she is near or ahead of them.

Even when life feels overwhelming, Whitman reminds us that we each have something valuable to contribute:

"Feeling overwhelmed with life"

"‘The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse’ – Walt Whitman"

Walt Whitman quotes

Walt Whitman quotes on life

1. “Resist much, obey little.”
2. “Give me the splendid, silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling.”
3. “And as to me, I know nothing else but miracles”
4. “Battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won.”
5. “My words itch at your ears till you understand them”
6. “I will sleep no more but arise, You oceans that have been calm within me! how I feel you, fathomless, stirring, preparing unprecedented waves and storms.”

Quotes about love

7. “We were together. I forget the rest.”
8. “Day by day and night by night we were together - all else has long been forgotten by me.”
9. “O public road, I say back I am not afraid to leave you, yet I love you, you express me better than I can express myself.”
10. “Now I see that there is no such thing as love unreturn'd. The pay is certain, one way or another.”
11. “I will write the evangel-poem of comrades and of love.”
12. “I give you my hand, I give you my love more precious than money, I give you myself before preaching or law; Will you give me yourself?”

Nature quotes 

13. “To me the sea is a continual miracle; The fishes that swim--the rocks -- the motion of the waves --the ships, with men in them, What stranger miracles are there?”
14. “A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.”
15. “Now I see the secret of making the best person: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.”
16. “You must not know too much or be too precise or scientific about birds and trees and flowers and watercraft; a certain free-margin, or even vagueness - ignorance, credulity - helps your enjoyment of these things.”
17. “Me imperturbe, standing at ease in Nature, Master of all or Mistress of all…”
18. “After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on -- have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear -- what remains?”

Conclusion

Walt Whitman's poems and quotes are special because his words make us feel happy, think deeply, and appreciate the world around us. 

Whitman's poems are easy to read and understand, even if you're not used to reading poetry. They can help us see the beauty in everyday things and feel connected to others. 

Whether you're feeling happy, sad, or curious about life, there's probably a Walt Whitman poem or quote that will speak to you. Why not try reading some of his work? You might find a new favorite poem or a quote that inspires you.

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FAQS

1. Who was Walt Whitman?

Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist, born in 1819 and died in 1892. He is best known for his influential collection of poems, "Leaves of Grass," which explores themes of nature, humanity, and American identity.

2. What is the theme of “O Captain! My Captain!”?

“O Captain! My Captain!” is about the death of President Abraham Lincoln and the end of the American Civil War. The poem reflects the joy of victory mixed with profound grief over the loss of the captain, symbolizing Lincoln.

3. Why are Whitman’s poems considered influential?

Whitman’s poems are considered influential because of their innovative use of free verse and their exploration of themes related to democracy, self-expression, and the American experience. His work paved the way for modern American poetry.

4. How did Whitman’s work impact American literature?

Whitman’s work had a significant impact on American literature by breaking away from traditional poetic forms and embracing a more open, free verse style. His themes of inclusivity and individuality influenced many subsequent poets and writers.

5. How can I start reading Walt Whitman’s poetry?

To start reading Walt Whitman’s poetry, you might begin with his most famous collection, “Leaves of Grass,” which includes many of his renowned poems. Reading selected poems like “O Captain! My Captain!” and “Song of Myself” can give you a good introduction to his style and themes.