Walt Whitman

My apologies for being gone for so long but the holidays came between us.

Thanks to my partner, Wes, I have been re-introduced to a long time inspiration, Walt Whitman. As a Christmas present Wes gave me the complete works of Walt Whitman. Since I was in junior high I have been a fan of Whitman. His transcendantist worldview and boundless faith in the American Republic and populace are inspiring.

"[T]he genius of the United States is...always most in the common people" writes Whitman in the preface to the 1855 Leaves of Grass.

Whitman is an inspiration. He celebrates that which makes the United States special, supreme. What is that? Liberty, Individualism, Freedom, Diversity, Sacrifice, Commerce, Hope, Self-Reliance, Love, Devotion, Involvement, Responsibility.

I hope to reflect upon Whitman and the American spirit throughout this year.