Search text must be between 2 and 255 characters.


Leaves of Grass

Walt Whitman

Summary and Analysis: <i>Calamus</i> America""

The poet thinks of America as the "centre of equal daughters, equal sons," who are "strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable," and who identify themselves with "Freedom, Law and Love." He salutes America as the "grand, sane, towering, seated Mother," who is "chair'd in the adamant of Time."

This short poem is a reassertion of the poet's faith in the destiny of the American nation. It demonstrates his love of the masses, his devotion to democracy, and his belief that in responding to the call of a democratic process, America is fulfilling a spiritual need of her people.