One’s-Self I Sing

by Walt Whitman

　　

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One's-Self I Sing (1867) is the first poem for the final phase of Leaves of Grass. It celebrates himself, and addresses how the body is inextricably tied to Whitman's image of the soul. ONE’S-SELF I sing—a simple, separate Person; Yet utter the word Democratic, the word En-masse. Of Physiology from top to toe I sing; Not physiognomy alone, nor brain alone, is worthy for the muse—I say the Form complete is worthier far; The Female equally with the male I sing. Of Life immense in passion, pulse, and power, Cheerful—for freest action form’d, under the laws divine, The Modern Man I sing.

　　

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Enjoy reading Whitman's poem, Song of Myself, and our useful Song of Myself Study Guide.

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