Audio: A Glimpse by Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman is considered one of the foremost poets in American history. He wrote of nature and individualism in a way that captured the spirit of early America—a key figure of transcendentalism. Listen in as Whitman captures “a glimpse” of a love that persists despite a chaotic atmosphere.

Walt Whitman is considered one of the foremost poets in American history. He wrote of nature and individualism in a way that captured the spirit of early America—a key figure of transcendentalism. In this love poem, two lovers lock eyes in a crowded bar, and Whitman sees the beauty of this moment despite the disruptive atmosphere. That Whitman is recognized for his homosexual themes adds to the delicious little rebellion of the moment: love is strong in spite of a chaotic world.

Walt Whitman. A glimpse, a glimpse through an interest ice court of a crowd of Walkman and drivers in a barroom around the stove late of a winter night, and I unremarked seated in a corner off a youth who loves me and whom I love, certainly approaching city himself near that team. I hold me by the hand a long while amid the noises of coming in, going off drinking and both and smutty jest there we to content having being together, speaking little, perhaps a little blood.