'The Indications' by Walt Whitman


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THE indications, and tally of time;
Perfect sanity shows the master among philosophs;
Time, always without flaw, indicates itself in parts;
What always indicates the poet, is the crowd of the pleasant company
of singers, and their words;
The words of the singers are the hours or minutes of the light or
dark--but the words of the maker of poems are the general light
and dark;
The maker of poems settles justice, reality, immortality,
His insight and power encircle things and the human race,
He is the glory and extract thus far, of things, and of the human
race.

The singers do not beget--only the POET begets;
The singers are welcom'd, understood, appear often enough--but rare
has the day been, likewise the spot, of the birth of the maker
of poems, the Answerer,10
(Not every century, or every five centuries, has contain'd such a
day, for all its names.)

The singers of successive hours of centuries may have ostensible
names, but the name of each of them is one of the singers,
The name of each is, eye-singer, ear-singer, head-singer, sweet-
singer, echo-singer, parlor-singer, love-singer, or something
else.

All this time, and at all times, wait the words of true poems;
The words of true poems do not merely please,
The true poets are not followers of beauty, but the august masters of
beauty;
The greatness of sons is the exuding of the greatness of mothers and
fathers,
The words of poems are the tuft and final applause of science.

Divine instinct, breadth of vision, the law of reason, health,
rudeness of body, withdrawnness,
Gayety, sun-tan, air-sweetness--such are some of the words of
poems.20

The sailor and traveler underlie the maker of poems, the answerer;
The builder, geometer, chemist, anatomist, phrenologist, artist--all
these underlie the maker of poems, the answerer.

The words of the true poems give you more than poems,
They give you to form for yourself, poems, religions, politics, war,
peace, behavior, histories, essays, romances, and everything
else,
They balance ranks, colors, races, creeds, and the sexes,
They do not seek beauty--they are sought,
Forever touching them, or close upon them, follows beauty, longing,
fain, love-sick.

They prepare for death--yet are they not the finish, but rather the
outset,
They bring none to his or her terminus, or to be content and full;
Whom they take, they take into space, to behold the birth of stars,
to learn one of the meanings,30
To launch off with absolute faith--to sweep through the ceaseless
rings, and never be quiet again.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Indications by Walt Whitman: A Celebration of Life and Nature

Walt Whitman's "The Indications" is a poetic masterpiece that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world. In this poem, Whitman explores the many different ways in which nature reveals itself to us, from the smallest blade of grass to the vast expanse of the sky. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, he invites us to experience the world around us with a sense of awe and wonder.

The Poem

"The Indications" is a long poem that is divided into several sections, each of which explores a different aspect of nature. The poem begins with a description of the "Indications of the Earth" and goes on to explore the "Indications of the Sea," the "Indications of the Air," and the "Indications of the Night." Throughout the poem, Whitman uses a variety of poetic devices, including repetition, metaphor, and imagery, to create a vivid and powerful portrait of the natural world.

The Indications of the Earth

The poem begins with a description of the earth and the many different ways in which it reveals itself to us. Whitman writes:

The earth, that is sufficient,
I do not want the constellations any nearer,
I know they are very well where they are,
I know they suffice for those who belong to them.

Here, Whitman celebrates the earth as a self-sufficient entity that does not need anything else to be complete. He acknowledges the beauty of the constellations in the sky, but suggests that they are best appreciated from a distance. Through this metaphor, Whitman suggests that we should appreciate the beauty of nature without trying to possess or control it.

Whitman goes on to describe the many different aspects of the earth, including its mountains, valleys, rivers, and plains. He writes:

Lo, the most excellent sun so calm and haughty,
The violet and purple morn with just-felt breezes,
The gentle soft-born measureless light,
The miracle spreading bathing all, the fulfill'd noon,
The coming eve delicious, the welcome night and the stars,
Over my cities shining all, enveloping man and land.

Here, Whitman uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of the natural world. He celebrates the sun, the morning breezes, and the soft light that surrounds us. He also acknowledges the importance of night and the stars in creating a sense of wonder and awe. Through these images, Whitman suggests that nature is not just beautiful, but also magical and wondrous.

The Indications of the Sea

The second section of the poem explores the "Indications of the Sea." Here, Whitman celebrates the power and majesty of the ocean, writing:

Behold, the sea itself,
And on its limitless, heaving breast, the ships;
See, where their white sails, bellying in the wind, speckle the green and blue,
See, the steamers coming and going, steaming in or out of port,
See, dusky and undulating, the long pennants of smoke.

Through these images, Whitman captures the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the ocean. He celebrates the ships that sail upon its surface, and the smoke that rises from them. He suggests that the sea is a living, breathing entity that is both beautiful and powerful.

The Indications of the Air

The third section of the poem explores the "Indications of the Air." Here, Whitman celebrates the many different ways in which air reveals itself to us, from the gentle breezes that cool us on a hot day to the powerful winds that can uproot trees and buildings. He writes:

Lo, the pulsations air, the lift-up over the sea,
The hoydenish young spring-time, the quick-heeled summer,
The ripe fruits, and, ah! the winter snows; 
The unspeakable richness of the sunset, 
The wondrous beauty of the stars.

Through these images, Whitman suggests that the air is a vital and dynamic part of nature that is always changing and evolving. He celebrates the beauty of the seasons, and the many different ways in which air can reveal itself to us.

The Indications of the Night

The final section of the poem explores the "Indications of the Night." Here, Whitman celebrates the beauty and wonder of the nighttime sky, writing:

Lo, the moon ascending,
Up from the east, the silvery round moon,
Beautiful over the house-tops, ghastly, phantom moon,
Immense and silent moon.

Through these images, Whitman captures the mystical and otherworldly nature of the nighttime sky. He suggests that the moon is both beautiful and eerie, and that it has a powerful effect on our imaginations.

Interpretation

At its core, "The Indications" is a celebration of life and nature. Through his vivid imagery and powerful language, Whitman invites us to experience the world around us with a sense of awe and wonder. He suggests that nature is not just beautiful, but also vital and dynamic, and that it has a profound effect on our lives.

Whitman's celebration of nature is also a celebration of the self. Through his poetry, he suggests that we are all connected to the natural world, and that our lives are a reflection of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. He suggests that by embracing the natural world, we can find a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends our individual lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Indications" is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Through his vivid imagery and powerful language, Whitman invites us to experience the world around us with a sense of awe and wonder. He suggests that nature is not just beautiful, but also vital and dynamic, and that it has a profound effect on our lives. By celebrating the natural world, Whitman suggests, we can find a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends our individual lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Indications by Walt Whitman is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that speaks to the soul and touches the heart. The poem is a reflection of the poet's love for nature and his appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem, its structure, themes, and the message that the poet is trying to convey.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with six lines. The structure of the poem is simple, yet effective. The use of short lines and simple language makes the poem easy to read and understand. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poet the freedom to express his thoughts and emotions without being constrained by the rules of traditional poetry.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The poet describes the beauty of nature and how it can be seen in the smallest things. He talks about the "delicate shells" and the "tiny creatures" that can be found on the beach. The use of the word "delicate" and "tiny" emphasizes the fragility and beauty of these creatures. The poet also talks about the "spider's delicate thread" and how it can be seen "floating in the air." This image creates a sense of wonder and amazement at the beauty of nature.

In the second stanza, the poet talks about the different sounds that can be heard in nature. He talks about the "whispering breeze" and the "rippling brook." The use of alliteration in these lines creates a sense of rhythm and musicality. The poet also talks about the "bird's sweet song" and how it can be heard "in the stillness of the night." This image creates a sense of peace and tranquility.

The third stanza of the poem is the most powerful. The poet talks about the "indications" that can be seen in nature. He talks about how these indications can be a source of comfort and hope. The poet says, "These are the indications, they are not the things themselves." This line is a reminder that the beauty of nature is not just in the physical things that we see, but also in the emotions and feelings that they evoke.

The poem has several themes that are woven throughout. The first theme is the beauty of nature. The poet celebrates the beauty of nature and how it can be seen in the smallest things. He reminds us to take the time to appreciate the world around us and to find joy in the simple things.

The second theme is the power of nature to heal and comfort. The poet talks about how the indications in nature can be a source of comfort and hope. He reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty and hope to be found in the world around us.

The third theme is the importance of mindfulness and being present in the moment. The poet encourages us to be present in the moment and to take the time to appreciate the world around us. He reminds us that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of every moment.

In conclusion, The Indications by Walt Whitman is a timeless poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of mindfulness. The poem is a reminder to take the time to appreciate the world around us and to find joy in the simple things. The poem is a testament to the power of nature to heal and comfort, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty and hope to be found in the world around us.

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