WHITMAN Leaves of Grass (Miracles). To me, every cubic inch of space is a miracle…Welcome is every organ and attitude of me…Not an inch, nor a particle of an inch is vile. WALT WHITMAN (1819-1892)
WALT WHITMAN Jr. was an American essayist, journalist, and poet.
He is regarded as one of America’s most significant 19th-century poets (Along with Emily Dickinson) who influenced many upcoming poets, like C.K. Williams, Simon Ortiz, Ezra Pound, and many others.
His most famous poem, Leaves of Grass (1855, 1891–2), is a beautiful work of art, packed with unconventional wisdom on nature, democracy, the equality of all people, friendship, love, beauty, and reassurance even in death. His most famous poem, Leaves of Grass (1855, 1891–2), is a beautiful work of art, packed with unconventional wisdom on nature, democracy, the equality of all people, friendship, love, beauty, and reassurance even in death.
Leaves of Grass would later seize the attention of American essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson, who immediately became a fan of Whitman’s artistry, alongside British writers who celebrated his work. Emerson would later declare Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, as “the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed.” The following is an excerpt from Whitman’s Leaves of Grass on Miracle. A short poem that uplifts and inspired generations.
Please enjoy.
WALT WHITMAN Leaves of Grass (Miracles)
As for 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 on the edge of the water,
Or stand under trees in the woods,
Or talk by day with anyone I love, or sleep in the bed at night with anyone I love,
Or sit at a 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 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.
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.
To me, the sea is a continual miracle.
The fishes that swim—the rocks—the motion of the waves—the
ships with men in them,
What stranger miracles are there?
…
Here are some suggestions for applying the wisdom of Walt Whitman’s observations to your life:
- Give thanks every day for this temple that houses your soul. Give verbal appreciation for your liver, eyesight, pancreas, and every inch of your body.
- Become more aware of how you choose to treat this miracle of a body. (By being aware of what a perfect creation you are, you will avoid mistreating yourself.)
- Refuse to call any part of your body flawed, because God does not deal with flawed material.
- A body that is cared for has a greater opportunity to advance the spiritual life.
- Purity of thought will help you to maintain a pure, healthy body. As the motivational author, and speaker, Louise Hay reminds us, thoughts heal the body, not the other way around.
Thank you for reading. Till next time.
God bless.
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