pieces of linda

Walt Whitman is such an interesting character. He worked for a printer at an early age and, thus, became engrossed with the written word. He taught himself most of what he knew, some of which was accomplished through extensive reading (Homer, Shakespeare, the Bible, etc.). As an adult, Whitman was a generous but modest man, using most of his “extra” money to buy supplies for patients.

No matter what you think of Whitman, his values, or his writing, the fact that they have an audio recording of him reading America should make you excited. Read the poem here, then follow this link to poets.org and listen to his own voice. Intriguing!

AMERICA
Walt Whitman

Centre of equal daughters, equal sons,
All, all alike endear’d, grown, ungrown, young or old,
Strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich,
Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love,
A grand, sane, towering, seated Mother,
Chair’d in the adamant of Time.