by Whitman · Cluster: Wonder and Gratitude · Sublime · Storm

Abstract

Ecstatic wonder at the first step of consciousness, sense and motion; joy, wonder and gratitude, the sublime in the ordinary. Short free-verse lyric.

Connections

Motifs: Music and Song Themes & Concepts: Joy, Wonder and Gratitude, Sublime Forms & Genres: Free Verse

Testo integrale / Full text

Cluster: INSCRIPTIONS

Beginning my studies the first step pleas’d me so much,
The mere fact consciousness, these forms, the power of motion,
The least insect or animal, the senses, eyesight, love,
The first step I say awed me and pleas’d me so much,
I have hardly gone and hardly wish’d to go any farther,
But stop and loiter all the time to sing it in ecstatic songs.