'As The Time Draws Nigh' by Walt Whitman
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AS the time draws nigh, glooming, a cloud,
A dread beyond, of I know not what, darkens me.
I shall go forth,
I shall traverse The States awhile--but I cannot tell whither or how
long;
Perhaps soon, some day or night while I am singing, my voice will
suddenly cease.
O book, O chants! must all then amount to but this?
Must we barely arrive at this beginning of us?... And yet it is
enough, O soul!
O soul! we have positively appear'd--that is enough.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, As The Time Draws Nigh by Walt Whitman: A Poetic Masterpiece
As a fan of poetry, I have always been fascinated by the works of Walt Whitman. His poems do not just resonate deeply, they also manage to evoke a sense of wonder and awe that is hard to find in any other writer. One of his most celebrated works, "Poetry, As The Time Draws Nigh," is a testament to his poetic genius.
In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "Poetry, As The Time Draws Nigh," highlighting its themes, structure, and poetic devices. I will also examine its historical and cultural context, as well as its relevance in contemporary society.
Historical and Cultural Context
Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context in which it was written. "Poetry, As The Time Draws Nigh" was published in 1860, at a time when the United States was on the brink of Civil War. Whitman, who was a staunch supporter of Abraham Lincoln and the Union cause, was deeply affected by the political and social upheavals of the era.
It is against this backdrop of national crisis that Whitman wrote "Poetry, As The Time Draws Nigh." The poem can be seen as a call to arms for poets and writers, urging them to use their talents to help heal the nation's wounds and to inspire a sense of unity and hope in a time of great uncertainty.
Themes
At its core, "Poetry, As The Time Draws Nigh" is a celebration of the power of poetry to uplift and inspire. Whitman begins the poem by asking poets to take up their pens and write "something" that will uplift the spirits of their readers. He notes that the times are serious and that a sense of hopelessness and despair is prevalent in the air.
This call to action sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the themes of beauty, transcendence, and the power of language to connect people across time and space. Whitman writes:
"Poetry, as the starry night,
Or lark at dawn, or gleam that lingers
Lovingly on the eyes, passing away,
As the shades of twilight softly gather,
Hailing, perhaps, the rest-giving night,
As a mother hails her son, departing,
As voyaging on, the ship, at eve,
Hails the shore, at distance,
Silent the rest, the interminable waiting,
The baylonian stars, shining, watching."
Here, Whitman compares poetry to various natural phenomena, such as stars, larks, and gleams of light. He implies that poetry is a force of nature that can awaken the senses and transport the reader to a higher plane of existence. He also suggests that poetry has a timeless quality and that it can bridge the gap between the past and the present.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of poetic transformation. Whitman writes:
"What is it, then, between us?
What is the count of the scores or hundreds of years between us?
Whatever it is, it avails not--distance avails not, and place
avails not,
I too lived, Brooklyn, of ample hills, was mine,
I too walk'd the streets of Manhattan island,
And bathed in the waters around it,
I too felt the curious abrupt questionings stir within me,
In the day, among crowds of people, sometimes they came
upon me,
In my walks home late at night, or as I lay in my bed, they
came upon me."
Here, Whitman suggests that poetry can transform the mundane into the magical, and that it can connect individuals across time and space. He implies that the poet's personal experiences are universal and that they can speak to the experiences of others, no matter how distant or different they may seem.
Structure and Poetic Devices
The structure of "Poetry, As The Time Draws Nigh" is free-flowing and open, reflecting Whitman's belief in the fluidity of language and the power of the spoken word. The poem is divided into several stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the theme of poetry's power.
One of the most striking poetic devices used in the poem is Whitman's use of repetition. He repeats the phrase "What is it, then, between us?" several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and unity. This repetition also serves to emphasize the poem's central message: that poetry has the power to connect individuals across time and space.
Another poetic device used in the poem is imagery. Whitman uses vivid, sensory language to create images that evoke a sense of wonder and awe. For example, he writes:
"Poetry, as the mountains, toppling,
Outstretching, never sleeping,
Dead, yet never-dying,
Ever the same, the poet,
Ever the same, the verse, growths, changes, death."
Here, Whitman compares poetry to mountains, suggesting that it is a force of nature that is both powerful and enduring. He also implies that poetry, like nature, is constantly changing and evolving, but that it never truly dies.
Relevance in Contemporary Society
Despite being written over 150 years ago, "Poetry, As The Time Draws Nigh" remains relevant in contemporary society. Its themes of unity, hope, and the power of language to connect individuals are just as important today as they were in Whitman's time.
In fact, in an era of social and political division, poetry has become an increasingly important tool for fostering empathy and understanding. Poetry can help us see the world from someone else's perspective, and it can inspire us to take action and make positive change in our communities.
In conclusion, "Poetry, As The Time Draws Nigh" is a poetic masterpiece that celebrates the power of poetry to uplift and inspire. Whitman's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and free-flowing language creates a sense of wonder and awe that is hard to find in any other writer. The poem's themes of beauty, transcendence, and the power of language to connect individuals across time and space are just as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry As The Time Draws Nigh: A Masterpiece by Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman, the American poet, essayist, and journalist, is known for his unique style of writing that celebrates the beauty of nature, the human body, and the spirit of democracy. His poetry is characterized by free verse, unconventional syntax, and a profound sense of optimism. One of his most famous works, "Poetry As The Time Draws Nigh," is a powerful reflection on the role of poetry in society and the importance of art in times of crisis.
The poem begins with the line, "As the time draws nigh, glooming, a cloud, a dread beyond, of I know not what, darkens me." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the uncertainty and fear that can accompany times of change and upheaval. Whitman acknowledges that he does not know what the future holds, but he is certain that poetry will play a vital role in navigating the challenges ahead.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly striking, as Whitman describes the power of poetry to connect people across time and space. He writes, "I will go with the poets and actors and singers and musicians, / We will put the most enigmatic questions to them, / We will listen to what they have to say of our beloved America." Here, Whitman is expressing his belief that art has the ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together in a shared experience of beauty and meaning.
The third stanza of the poem is a call to action, as Whitman urges his readers to embrace the power of poetry and use it to create a better world. He writes, "O poets, / You are to me like those flag-flakes of foam on the waves, / Of ages, ending, departing—yet again returning, / Eternally changing." This passage is a reminder that poetry is not just a passive form of entertainment, but a force that can inspire action and change.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the role of the poet in society. Whitman writes, "The poet shall not spend his time in unneeded work. / He shall know that the ground is always ready ploughed and manured." Here, Whitman is emphasizing the importance of the poet's role as a visionary and a leader. The poet must be attuned to the needs of society and use his or her talents to address those needs.
The final stanza of the poem is a celebration of the power of poetry to inspire hope and renewal. Whitman writes, "The time draws nigh when lilacs bloom, / And the great star early droops in the western sky in the night, / With the moan of waves and the pines." This passage is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of renewal and growth.
Overall, "Poetry As The Time Draws Nigh" is a powerful reflection on the role of poetry in society and the importance of art in times of crisis. Whitman's words are a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty and fear, poetry has the power to inspire hope, connection, and renewal. As we navigate the challenges of our own time, we would do well to heed Whitman's call to embrace the power of poetry and use it to create a better world.
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