Writing as a Craft by Walter Whitman

Before 1819, poetry written in America was simply English poetry written on a colonial shore. Although there were other poets of America prior to my time, American poets were still very much writing in the shadow of English literature. Much has been done since my arrival on the scene as I have vastly scrutinized and exposed subjects on homosexuality, compassion for slaves, love to humankind, universality and respect for prostitutes only to be disagreed upon time and time again. Beyond the confines of our nation however I earned the respect of various countries. On the contrary, had I educated myself to the Literary standard of American Poets of the Puritan era, I could be in the lime light within days and sadly so this is the reality of our societies influence upon us. As educated individuals, it remains our primary obligation to pay tribute to our nation by being objective and rational but our nation then was so wrapped in honorable Victorian ethics that my revolutionary prose failed to invoke their conscience.

Creative Writers do not adhere themselves to the norms of their society and literary standards. They are more like day-dreamers who sketch their visualized castles on paper and are repeatedly accused of irrational themes, deconstructive thoughts and notions. Remarkable as it may seem, their work arises much curiosity, fame and prosperity as opposed to a traditional writers predictable context. They tend to break all rules and free themselves from daily constraints of reality. Their theories may seem neurotic in pattern and mystic in nature simply because they have merged visionary faith into their literature. Such an example is prevalent in William Shakespeare’s earliest comedies, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which chants creative imagination empowered with the supernatural world. Similarly my prose is not limited to the domains of current traditions and morals and I have resolutely fastened myself to an invigorating and innovation point of view. My advice to you therefore is to acknowledge and accept that human conditions existed, exist and will exist furthermore but to be able to do something about them is my fellow- Americans our true honor. We may state, ‘I am the poet of the body, and I am the poet of the soul.’ (Whitman)

Where to Begin

Read

Reading can invoke your inner most thoughts. You need to read as much as possible to identify and personalize your writing style. Initially you may read only non-fiction or mystery but exploring diverse genres of literature opens your minds to accept different styles of narration. Being raised in an urban family with no affordable tutors to aid my education, I began self- studying the works of Homer, Dante, Shakespeare and the Bible. My inspiration vastly came from these primary selections of books although meager. I soon started crafting ideas and penned my emotions. Little did I know that these very books would inspire my substantial quotes to later pioneer American Literature (Walt Whitman). You may feel the urge to rewrite a paragraph or verse.

In your own solace, you may want to pen down your thoughts upon finishing a certain chapter. Various ideas may flash through your mind as you summarize a chapter or pen down your reactions and when you finish, your inspiration will stare back at you in big bold font. Do not worry yourself with Ethics and Norms. As a free will writer you gradually learn the art of expressing your personal heart-felt, provocative and intrusive ideas and are never afraid to take on an opponent in your game of words. ‘O the joy of the strong-brawn’d fighter, towering in the arena in perfect condition, conscious of power, thirsting to meet his opponent.’ (Whitman Walt, Complete Poetry and Selected Prose) Rest assured your logic will one day be evaluated, preserved, and dignified.

Test Your Idea

‘To have great poets, there must be great audiences too.’ -Walt Whitman

People all around tend to evaluate your potential based on which you may excel as a writer. Expose your work to masses and consume their reaction. You may be bombarded with Criticism as critics can be looked upon as consumers of able authors and their calculated opinions are widely accepted in markets only to earn a fortune out of literate mishaps. They limit our speech and want to dictate leadership. If a writer accepts their judgment, he forever remains within their designed boundaries, never again able to inscribe advancements in his career. Likewise he may only listen to expected dignitaries and do no good for the human race. My critics believed that my prose drew me closer to the readers of the British Isles– where I was first “appreciated and recognized as a major poet”. They were indeed my inspiration as my literature knew no boundaries. Critics burn and sore your fingers for penning down themes much to their dislike and horror. Do not be disheartened as this is just the beginning of your Revolution.

I recall an incident, ‘When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with such applause in the lecture room, how soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick; Till rising and gliding out, I wandered off by myself, in the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, looked up in perfect silence at the stars.’

Get Involved

You need to contribute your efforts to the society you live in. Look around you and what do you see: Famine, Drought, Corruption, Immorality, Rapes and Abuses. I encourage all to tell the story of their own community in verse or writing.

Through my poetry, I have depicted the horrors of the society I had lived in. I started work at a young age and was forever on the move. My strong desire to help humanity led me to Manhattan and Brooklyn where I worked as a printer and journalist. I then became a contractor and delved in Real Estate. While in New Orleans, I witnessed the foul conditions of slavery. The experience brought along deep misery and discontent. Realizing their pain, I wrote down the emotions which intruded my conscious. The American democratic and Idealistic view did not support my content but I endeavored nevertheless to lessen their misery and depict inhumanity in my prose. I began to write about the horrors and neglect of that human condition. At the same time, the Mexican War intruded upon my conscience. Oppression, dishonor, and compassion for the poor and downtrodden were the backdrops which become the central themes of my poetry (Walt Whitman).

Originally hailing from Long Island, my father was actively involved in the Political circle. He likewise invoked a patriotic pride in me (Walt Whitman). ‘I hear America singing, the ’ (Leaves 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; (Leaves of Grass)

Conclusion

To masses of people, students, poets, democrats and writers of the past and present era.

‘Loafe with me on the grass- loose the stop from your throat: Not words, not music or rhyme I want- not custom or lecture, not even the best; only the lull I like, the hum your valved voice.’’ (Leaves of Grass)

Recommended Reading

These poems emphasize the past democracy in America and hold the key of motivation and inspiration for young authors and followers:

“Leaves of Grass”

“Children of Adam”

“Calamus”: (In association with the calamus PLANT and Kalamos, a God in antique mythology who was transformed with grief by the death of his lover, the male youth Karpos. In addition, the calamus plant’s central characteristic is a prominent central vein that is phallic in appearance.

“We Two Boys Together Clinging”

“When I Read the Book” & ‘’Song of Myself’’ (Personal appraisals)

“When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer.” (Learning while in a Classroom)

“The Wound Dresser” (Later set to music by John Adams)

“Come Up from the Fields Father” (The effects of war)

“Dalliance of the Eagles,”(A Colorful explications of sex- in mid-Victorian era)

‘’Death Bed’’ (After a stroke- nearing Death)