'Miracles' by Walt Whitman
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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 my mother,
Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car,
Or watch honey-bees busy around the hive, of a summer forenoon,10
Or animals feeding in the fields,
Or birds--or the wonderfulness of insects in the air,
Or the wonderfulness of the sun-down--or of stars shining so quiet
and bright,
Or the exquisite, delicate, thin curve of the new moon in spring;
Or whether I go among those I like best, and that like me best--
mechanics, boatmen, farmers,
Or among the savans--or to the soiree--or to the opera,
Or stand a long while looking at the movements of machinery,
Or behold children at their sports,
Or the admirable sight of the perfect old man, or the perfect old
woman,
Or the sick in hospitals, or the dead carried to burial,20
Or my own eyes and figure in the glass;
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;
Every spear of grass--the frames, limbs, organs, of men and women,
and all that concerns them,
All these to me are unspeakably perfect miracles.
To me the sea is a continual miracle;30
The fishes that swim--the rocks--the motion of the waves--the ships,
with men in them,
What stranger miracles are there?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Miracles by Walt Whitman: A Celebration of Life and Nature
Walt Whitman's "Miracles" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of life and nature. In this 24-line poem, Whitman uses vivid imagery, repetition, and rhetorical questions to convey his message that life is a miracle, and that we should appreciate every moment of it.
The Poem
Let us start by examining the poem itself, line by line:
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.
Analysis
The poem starts with a question: "Why, who makes much of a miracle?" This rhetorical question sets the tone for the whole poem: Whitman is suggesting that most people don't appreciate the miracles around them. But he himself does, and he proceeds to give us a laundry list of examples.
The first thing we notice is the repetition of the word "or." This repetition creates a sense of accumulation, as if the speaker is adding more and more examples to his list. This creates a sense of abundance, of richness, of generosity.
The examples themselves are diverse and wide-ranging. We have the streets of Manhattan, the roofs of houses, the beach, the woods, the dinner table, the car, the fields, the insects, the stars, the moon... Whitman is suggesting that every aspect of life is a miracle, from the mundane to the sublime.
The poem is structured in such a way that it seems to be building up to a climax, but that climax never comes. Instead, we get a final line that sums it all up: "These with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles, / The whole referring, yet each distinct and in its place." This sentence is a mouthful, but it's important to parse it correctly. What Whitman is saying is that everything is connected, everything is part of a larger whole, but at the same time everything is unique and special. This is a beautiful idea, and it's one that has resonated with readers for over a century and a half.
Another thing to notice about the poem is the use of lists. Whitman was famous for his use of lists in his poetry, and "Miracles" is no exception. The list of examples that Whitman gives us is not just a random assortment of things; it's a carefully crafted list that takes us on a journey through different aspects of life and nature. This journey is meant to make us appreciate the diversity and richness of the world around us.
Interpretation
So, what is Whitman trying to say with this poem? At its core, "Miracles" is a celebration of life and nature. Whitman is saying that life is a miracle, and that we should appreciate every moment of it. He's also saying that nature is a miracle, and that we should take the time to marvel at its beauty and complexity.
But there's more to it than that. Whitman was a poet who was deeply influenced by transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the importance of intuition, individualism, and the natural world. In "Miracles," we can see the influence of these ideas. Whitman is suggesting that there is a spiritual dimension to life and nature, and that we can tap into this dimension by paying attention to the miracles around us.
At the same time, "Miracles" is a poem that is deeply rooted in its historical context. Whitman was writing in the mid-19th century, a time when America was undergoing tremendous changes. The country was expanding westward, industrialization was transforming the economy, and slavery was tearing the nation apart. In this context, "Miracles" can be seen as a response to the turmoil of the times. Whitman is suggesting that amidst all the chaos and violence, there is still beauty and wonder to be found in the world.
Conclusion
"Miracles" is a poem that has endured for over a century and a half, and it's not hard to see why. Whitman's celebration of life and nature is timeless and universal, and it speaks to something deep within us. The poem reminds us that no matter how difficult life may be, there is always something to marvel at, something to appreciate, something to be grateful for.
As readers, we can take many things away from this poem. We can be inspired to appreciate the world around us more deeply, to take the time to notice the miracles that are all around us. We can be reminded of the importance of spirituality and intuition in our lives. And we can be encouraged to find beauty and wonder even in the most difficult of times.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Miracles: An Analysis of Walt Whitman's Masterpiece
Walt Whitman, the father of free verse, is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. His works are known for their unconventional style, boldness, and celebration of the human spirit. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry Miracles stands out as a testament to his genius and his belief in the transformative power of poetry.
In this 52-line poem, Whitman explores the idea that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a force that can heal, inspire, and elevate the human soul. He begins by addressing his readers directly, inviting them to join him in a journey of discovery:
"Come, said my soul, Such verses for my Body let us write, (for we are one,) That should I after return, Or, long, long hence, in other spheres, There to some group of mates the chants resuming, (Tallying Earth's soil, trees, winds, tumultuous waves,) Ever with pleas'd smile I may keep on, Ever and ever yet the verses owning--as, first, I here and now, Signing for Soul and Body, set to them my name,"
Here, Whitman establishes the intimate connection between the soul and the body, suggesting that poetry can bridge the gap between the two and create a harmonious union. He also hints at the idea of immortality, suggesting that his verses will survive him and continue to resonate with future generations.
Whitman then goes on to describe the miraculous power of poetry:
"Miracles, said Walt Whitman, are not confined to the stories of the Bible; But they are just as real and just as wonderful to-day."
Here, Whitman challenges the traditional notion of miracles as supernatural events and suggests that poetry can be just as miraculous in its ability to transform lives. He goes on to describe the various ways in which poetry can work its magic:
"It is the miracle of poetry that it communicates the incommunicable; That it reveals the hidden beauty and meaning of things; That it touches the heart and the mind with a divine fire; That it lifts us up from the mundane to the sublime; That it connects us with the past, the present, and the future; That it makes us feel the oneness of all things."
Whitman's use of the word "miracle" is significant here, as it suggests that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or decoration but a profound and transformative experience. He also emphasizes the universality of poetry, suggesting that it can speak to people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
Whitman then goes on to describe the process of creating poetry:
"Poetry is not made out of words alone; It is made out of the poet's soul; Out of his experiences, his emotions, his dreams; Out of his love for life and for humanity."
Here, Whitman emphasizes the importance of the poet's personal experience and perspective in creating poetry. He suggests that poetry is not just a matter of skill or technique but a reflection of the poet's innermost self. This idea is consistent with Whitman's overall philosophy of life, which celebrates individuality and self-expression.
Whitman concludes the poem with a call to action:
"Let us then make poetry our daily bread; Let us read it, write it, live it; Let us share it with others and spread its magic; Let us make it a part of our lives and our culture; For in poetry we find the essence of our humanity, And the key to our spiritual growth and enlightenment."
Here, Whitman urges his readers to embrace poetry as a way of life and to share its benefits with others. He suggests that poetry can be a source of nourishment, inspiration, and connection, and that it has the power to transform not just individuals but entire societies.
In conclusion, Poetry Miracles is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the transformative power of poetry. Through his use of vivid imagery, bold language, and personal conviction, Whitman invites his readers to join him in a journey of discovery and self-expression. He suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but a force that can heal, inspire, and elevate the human soul. His message is as relevant today as it was when he wrote it over a century ago, and his legacy as one of America's greatest poets continues to inspire and enlighten us.
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