Jonathan Harrison

Walt Whitman

"Born on Long Island, Whitman worked as a journalist, a teacher, a government clerk, and a volunteer nurse during the American Civil War in addition to publishing his poetry. Early in his career, he also produced a temperance novel, Franklin Evans (1842). Whitman's major work, Leaves of Grass, was first published in 1855 with his own money. " (wikipedia)

This quote is a good representation of Walt Whitman's for he writes about the American experience, what it's like to be an American, and his multitude of jobs are examples that their may be no better man to tell that tale. His poetry touched the senses in a unique way opening the eyes of the reader to the Great country that is America.

The poem Crossing the Brooklyn Ferry is a tale about the daily lives of Americans. The story leads us around the streets of New york describing the many jobs and activities that are taking place. Whitman connects to all readers as he compares himself to future generations and the point is made when we are shown the fact that we will all be staring at the same bodies of water and same land. The point was that time goes on but humankind stays the same. The poem ends with triumphant descriptions about the U.S.A and one leaves the poem with a new sense of patriotism.

Crossing the Brooklyn Ferry is a poem about the American experience and the excitement that comes along with it . Their is a true sense of Realism in this poem and one can actually feel the Streets of New York coming alive. Whitman was proud to be an American and it showed as all the true beauty of America shines through in Whitman's elegant descriptions of everyday jobs that makes America seem more like a carnival than a city itself. It is hard for one not to get excited and even feel alive when reading this poem. Whitman does a masterful job of connecting to the people as we can all see ourselves in many of the situations that he depicts. The poem leave one with a sense of patriotism and it is clear to see why Whitman is considered by many to be the great American poet.