Two Moments on the Road (Whitman)

During this “golden week,” I must think and write on Whitman.

Yesterday, I linked the full text of the Song of the Open Road. I think there are two moments in this long poem.

The efflux of the soul is happiness, here is happiness,

I think it pervades the open air, waiting at all times,

Now it flows unto us, we are rightly charged.

This is the moment when “I” become “we.” Starting from monologue, “I” am passing by lots of strangers and “we” are charged with something good.

Here is “dry” adhesiveness.  

Camerado, I give you my hand!

I give you my love more precious than money,

I give you myself before preaching or law;

Will you give me yourself?  Will you come travel with me?

Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?

This is the last scene. While sticking by each other, are “you” and “I” looking ahead to the open road?

Here is “wet” adhesiveness.