Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, on the west Hills of long Island, NY. His mother, Louisa Van Velsor, of Dutch descent and Quaker faith, whom he adored, was barely literate. She never read his poetry, but gave him unconditional love.
In 1855, Whitman took out a copyright on the first edition of Leaves of Grass, which consisted of twelve untitled poem and a preface. He published the volume himself, and sent a copy to Emerson in July of 1855. He then released a second edition of the book in 1856, containing thirty-three poems, a letter from Emerson praising the first edition, and a long open letter by Whitman in response.
After his death on March 26, 1892, Whitman was buried in a tomb he designed and had built on a lot in Harleigh Cemetery.
"A Clear Midnight"
This is thy hour o soul, they
free flight into the wordless,
Away from books, away from art,
the day erased, the lesson
done,
The fully forth emerging,
Silent, gazing pondering the themes
thou lovest best,
Night, sleep, death and the stars
1 comment:
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