Walt Whitman was part of the transcendentalist movement and his all of his views, on anything, were on proud display. He believed in finding oneself through nature, but was scrutinized for his most famous work, "Blades of Grass." This work made him a controversial character because it showed that he may have been a homosexual. Besides this, Whitman felt that poems should be "real." By this, I mean that poems should be based on real events or express an individuals innermost feelings on the subject of which they are speaking. Also, he thought very highly of himself.
Back to the transcendentalist movement, by which some of Whitman's works were inspired. Whitman was an important individual in this movement that was about finding oneself, or the most perfect divinity, through nature. People that were part of this movement would drop everything, go out into nature, experience it, and write about it. As for America, and his sentiment towards it, it can best be summed up by this quote, "The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem." So he loved America. Hooray for bald eagles and the red, white, and blue.
I agree with Whitman completely as a Civil War veteran. The United States is the greatest poem because I have seen the beginning of the evolution of America as a nation. Having endured the Civil War, I can say that a poem about the Civil War, could write itself. This is because the United States has a rich history, admirable patriots, and one of the most beautiful landscapes you ever did see. The tragedy that I have seen does not matter because in the end, everything will be alright.
Poetry can help someone through a tough time because it's all about expression. Whether it be expression of emotions, what's going on, or even dreams. This is also how your typical high school student would use poetry. Many high school students have intense emotions that they would like to express, and for some the way to do that is through poetry.
My Poem
Cities oh you cities
Corrupting my fellow human beings
Who like me
Were meant to be one without the pollution of the soul
Caused by the society in cities
Enjoy life
And the green grass
And the trees
And every wonderful thing
To nourish your soul as I do
When the world was set in motion
We were never meant to live miserable lives
And to hurt one another
But to enjoy the earth
Even this beautiful greenland earned by our forefathers
Enjoy life as you can
You are not one with the cities
But nature is one with man.
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