National Pride and Patriotic Fervor, Celebrate the Fourth in Verse
- Walt Whitman’s poetry inspires with songs of American unity and spirit during divided times.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson’s ‘Concord Hymn’ pays tribute to the sacrifices of Revolutionary War heroes.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s ‘Paul Revere’s Ride’ vividly retells a pivotal moment in American history.
Patriotism is the theme for the Fourth of July. Many poets have taken on the subject over the years and their words, even in part, have been engrained in the minds of millions of Americans. From Whitman to Emerson and Longfellow to Blake and beyond, these are the poems that have inspired patriots for years.
Walt Whitman, “I Hear America Singing”
The collection of Walt Whitman’s poems known as “Leaves of Grass” was published a total of seven times during the poet’s lifetime. Each edition held different poems and in the 1860 edition, “I Hear America Singing” made its debut. Yet, Whitman made some changes, and the version below is the 1867 version.
The differences between the two editions are minimal at best. Most notably, the first verse was changed from “American mouth-songs!” to the lyrical lines you’ll find below.
It is quite interesting to note that the two editions were printed just prior to and after the Civil War. In the context of the country during that time, Whitman’s words take on an even more powerful meaning. America was divided, but the differences were not extreme when viewed from the songs of the individual.
I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear.
Those of mechanics—each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong.
The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam.
The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work.
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat—the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck.
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench—the hatter singing as he stands.
The wood-cutter’s song—the ploughboy’s, on his way in the morning, or at the noon intermission, or at sundown.
The delicious singing of the mother—or of the young wife at work. Or of the girl sewing or washing.
Each singing what belongs to her, and to none else.
The day what belongs to the day.
At night, the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,
Singing, with open mouths, their strong melodious songs.
More From Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass“
The many editions of “Leaves of Grass” are filled with poems on a variety of subject matter. When it comes to patriotism, Whitman penned some of the best poetry and this contributed to his notoriety as one of America’s great poets.
“By Blue Ontario’s Shore”
(first published in the 1867 edition) – The poet spends this poem in a contemplative state marked with talk of liberty and freedom. Lines like “Chant me the poem, it said, that comes from the soul of America.” And “O America because you build for mankind I build for you” are inspiring. At the same time, the narrator seems haunted by troubles and questions.
“Song of the Broad-Axe”
(first published in the 1856 edition) – An epic piece of poetry, Whitman embodies too many facets of America and Americans in this poem to note in a brief summary. It is a wonderful look at the individual spirit that formed the country and the strength it took from each and every person through the powerful symbol of the broad-axe.
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/poems-for-independence-day-2725474
Photo credit: Tetra Images – Erik Isakson/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Part 2 tomorrow
Discover more from TUTORING YOU
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
