When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer
When I heard the learn'd astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure
them,
When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause
in the lecture room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.
Walt Whitman (1819-1892)
Walt Whitman is among the most beloved American poets. His work was prolific and timeless. He also wrote during the dark days of the civil war, thus he served as an eye witness historian. He was born in Long Island N. Y. His work "Leaves of Grass" (which he self published after selling a house to finance it) is considered a landmark in American Literature.
My choice this month reminded me of my high school days - attention or lack of.
Ah yes, perspective...
J J
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