LEAVES OF GRASS

This poem was originally called “Sun-Down Poem” (1856), and the present title was given it in 1860. It was substantially revised in 1881. The major image in the poem is the ferry. It symbolizes continual movement, backward and forward, a universal motion in space and time. The ferry moves on, […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus Crossing Brooklyn Ferry””

The poet is in his fortieth year and is “full of life.” Yet when generations of the future will read his Leaves, “I that was visible am become invisible.” He speaks to these unborn readers who are seeking him, He tells them that perhaps he is with them. “Full of […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus Full of Life Now””

The poet observed an oak tree in Louisiana which stood alone and whose dark Leaves were delightful. The oak was rough, unyielding, and lusty — it reminded the poet of himself, though he wondered “how it could utter joyous Leaves” all alone, without a friend — he would not be […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus I Saw in Louisiana a Live-Oak Growing””

The poet declares that the flames within burn him more than actual heat, and that his consuming passion “for his love whom I love” is quicker than air and tide. His soul, “borne through the open air,” is irresistibly drawn to his friend. The imagery here — of “sea-waves,” the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus Not Heat Flames Up and Consumes””

The poet speaks to a new admirer, warning him, “I am surely far different from what you suppose.” His faithfulness and tolerance are but a facade. Is the person “advancing on real ground toward a real heroic man,” or is this mere “maya” or illusion? Whitman knew the complexity of […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus Are You the New Person Drawn Toward Me?””

The poet says that he was not happy on the day he heard that his work was praised “in the capitol,” nor was he pleased when “his plans were accomplish’d.” But he felt especially happy when he rose in the morning in perfect health, wandered over the beach, saw the […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus When I Heard at the Close of the Day””

The poet gives a “fair warning” to his would-be followers, the readers who now hold his words in their hands: “I am not what you supposed, but far different.” He desires to know who would become “a candidate for my affections.” Those who would follow him will have to abandon […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus Whoever You Are Holding Me Now in Hand””

The fragrant “herbage of my breast” suggests the poet’s poems, which are called “Leaves.” The poet’s death will not destroy his thoughts; the Leaves will continue to grow from his grave — for the Leaves are “blossoms of my blood” and unfold the poet’s heart. Some few passers — by […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus Scented Herbage of My Breast””

The poet desires to travel the untrodden paths which previously were denied him by “all the standards” and “conformities.” In a “secluded spot,” far “away from the clank of the world,” the poet can at last, in his “forty-first year,” “respond as I would not dare elsewhere.” He resolves to […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus In Paths Untrodden””

Calamus, the name of a plant, was the title given to a group of poems in the 1860 edition of Leaves. The rather phallic-leafed plant may suggest comradeship or “adhesiveness.” Whitman was interested in phrenology, a pseudo-science dealing with character as supposedly revealed by a study of skull formation. Adhesiveness […]

Read more Summary and Analysis: Calamus Introduction