America

Narrator

America is an abstract, maternal yet demanding entity that the narrator both celebrates and feels compelled to embody.

Lo

America and Lo share a sensual, symbolic relationship where Lo embodies the erotic, living spirit of the nation.

Narrator

America is an abstract, maternal yet demanding entity that the narrator both celebrates and feels compelled to embody.

Narrator

America is an abstract, maternal yet demanding entity that the narrator both celebrates and feels compelled to embody.

Lo

America and Lo share a sensual, symbolic relationship where Lo embodies the erotic, living spirit of the nation.

Leaves of Grass

The nation as a collective character, celebrated for its people and ideals.

Inscriptions

America is invoked as the land and people the poet celebrates.

One's-Self I Sing

Implied as the democratic en-masse being addressed.

To Foreign Lands

The subject being defined through the poems.

To a Historian

Implied as the setting and subject of the future history being projected.

To Thee Old Cause

Implied as the nation and context of the 'strange sad war' and the cause it serves.

Eidólons

Referenced as the busy, teeming source of today's eidólons.

To the States

Addressed directly as the collective states and cities.

On Journeys Through the States

The journey traverses the States, including Kanada, the North-east, the Mississippi valley, and the Southern States, emphasizing unity and equality.

Me Imperturbe

Referenced through specific locales: Mannahatta, Tennessee, Kanada, and the States.

I Hear America Singing

America is the collective subject of the varied carols sung by its people.

Still Though the One I Sing

Implied as the nationality to which the song is dedicated.

Shut Not Your Doors

Implied as the context of the war from which the book emerges.

Starting from Paumanok

The nation addressed and celebrated as the setting for the poet's democratic and prophetic vision.

Starting from Paumanok

Implied through the New World and the diverse American landscapes and experiences described.

2

America is represented as the foremost people, arts, and institutions covering the new continents.

Chants of the Prairies and the People

Addressed directly as 'Americanos!' and 'Libertad!', embodying the nation and its democratic ideals.

Chapter 4: Leaves for America

Addressed directly as the recipient of the poet's leaves, encompassing North, South, East, and West.

The Soul's Eternal Song

The unified nation formed out of all States, described as 'fang'd and glittering' and 'resolute warlike,' over which the narrator sings.

The Poet's Religion of Inclusive Faith

The nation is described as having both good and evil, and its permanent grandeur must be its religion.

Chapter 9

Addressed as 'daughter or son' in the passage.

Song of the Broad-Axe

America is depicted as a composite of all its diverse lands, resources, and peoples—from coal and gold to pastoral plains and great lakes—each cherished equally.

On My Way a Moment I Pause

Recipient of the narrator's address, representing the nation's present and future.

Chapter 18

The nation depicted through its diverse geography, people, and progress.

Song of Myself

The nation and its people are celebrated as part of the poet's expansive vision.

Alone Far in the Wilds and Mountains

The diverse American landscape and people are depicted through scenes of the Yankee clipper, the western trapper, and the runaway slave.

Chapter 13

Implied through the depiction of a Black laborer as a dignified, commanding figure, reflecting the nation's diverse people.

Song of Myself, Section 15

America is embodied through the diverse crowd of citizens—farmers, slaves, immigrants, workers, and outcasts—depicted in the panorama.

Song of Myself, Section 16

The speaker embodies the nation, identifying with various regional and occupational identities across the United States.

Song of Myself, Section 21

Implied as the land of equality where all may surpass the President.

Endless Unfolding of Words of Ages

Implied as the context for the modern word En-Masse and the celebration of democracy and the people.

Walt Whitman, a Kosmos

Manhattan and the American landscape are invoked as the speaker's origin and context.

The Universal Self

The narrator traverses American landscapes—cities, farms, forests, and prairies—embodying the nation's diversity.

The Poet as Universal Equalizer

Implied through the depiction of American laborers, firemen, mechanics, and hostlers as equal to ancient gods.

A Call in the Midst of the Crowd

The city and its citizens represent America, with the narrator identifying as one of them, sharing interests in politics, markets, and daily life.

The Teacher of Athletes

Represented through the diverse common people—mechanics, woodmen, farmers, soldiers, and mothers—who embody the nation.

Children of Adam

The nation as a collective body embodying the themes of procreation and democracy.

I Sing the Body Electric

Implied through the slave auction scene and the procession of all people, reflecting the nation's diversity and the sacredness of every body.

Body and Soul in Motion

The diverse American people and their daily labors and pastimes are depicted, reflecting the nation's vitality.

The Sacred Equality of All

Implied as the inclusive land where the dull-faced immigrant and the laborer belong as much as the well-off.

The Body at Auction

Implied as the source of 'populous states and rich republics' that will spring from the man.

The Sacred Body

Implicitly present as the setting of the auction and the universal scope of the body's sanctity.

A Woman Waits for Me

The nation for which the speaker intends to produce future sons and daughters.

Ages and Ages Returning at Intervals

Referenced as 'the new garden the West' and 'the great cities' that the narrator calls to.

Facing West from California’s Shores

The Western sea and shores of America are the vantage point for the speaker's homecoming.

Calamus

Envisioned as the land where the love of comrades will flourish and unite the nation.

For You O Democracy

The land along whose rivers and shores companionship is planted.

Roots and Leaves Themselves Alone

Implied as the living shores and sailors addressed, representing the broader human community.

City of Orgies

Manhattan is personified as a part of America, the setting for the orgies of love and connection.

Behold This Swarthy Face

The salute of American comrades is observed, situating the bond within the context of the nation.

The Prairie-Grass Dividing

Inland America is invoked as the source of the free and audacious men.

A Promise to California

The nation, particularly its inland and Western regions, that the narrator intends to join.

No Labor-Saving Machine

Mentioned as the nation for which no deed of courage is left.

A Leaf for Hand in Hand

Implied through the mention of the Mississippi and its people.

To the East and to the West

The nation whose main purpose is to found a superb friendship among its people.

Salut au Monde!

Represented as part of the global family, with specific mention of its diverse regions and peoples.

What Do You Hear Walt Whitman?

Implied through the workman and farmer's wife, representing the American people.

Salutation to All Inhabitants of the Earth

Implicitly present as the vantage point from which the narrator views and mixes with the world's diverse inhabitants.

You Whoever You Are

The nation from which the speaker sends health and good will to all peoples.

Salut au Monde!

The narrator raises the signal in America's name, representing the nation's greeting to the world.

Song of the Open Road

The land and people of America are implicitly celebrated as the setting and spirit of the open road.

Chapter 5: The Loosening of Limits

Implied through the claim of east, west, north, and south as 'mine', suggesting a national scope.

The Open Road Journey Begins

The chapter reflects the American spirit of movement and progress through cities and farms.

Crossing Brooklyn Ferry

The nation is embodied in the daily commute and the diverse people on the ferry.

The Union of Souls

Manhattan is invoked as a symbol of America's grandeur and the intimate bond between the individual and the nation.

Chapter 9: The Eternal Flow

Referenced through the imagery of Mannahatta, Brooklyn, and flags of all nations, embodying the nation's diverse and vibrant life.

Song of the Answerer

The nation that finds its voice through the poet.

Song of the Answerer

The landscape, cities, and people of America are the setting for the Answerer's universal welcome.

Our Old Feuillage

America is depicted as a vast, diverse, and unified entity, with its landscapes, cities, and peoples celebrated as an inseparable whole, tied together by democracy and love.

A Song of Joys

The chapter invokes American landscapes, occupations (farmer, fireman, whaleman), and the orator's power to lead the nation.

Song of the Broad-Axe

The nation being shaped by the broad-axe, representing democracy and growth.

The Log at the Wood-Pile

Embodied in the settlements, pioneers, and builders shaping the continent.

Muscle and Pluck Forever

Implied as the setting where the greatest men and women define a great city.

The Great City

The city is portrayed as the ideal America, where democratic principles and equality are fully realized.

A Sterile Landscape Serves All

Implied as part of the continuum of civilizations served by the enduring landscape.

Chapter 8: The European Headsman and the New Race

Referenced as the 'mighty and friendly emblem of the power of my own race, the newest, largest race.'

Song of the Broad-Axe

The chapter directly addresses America, expressing love and depicting its physical and social construction through the axe.

The Main Shapes Arise

Implied as the context for the turbulent manly cities and the home-givers of the whole earth.

Song of the Exposition

America is portrayed as the setting for the new exposition, a land of progress and equality.

After All Not to Create Only

Implied as the New World receiving and transforming the Old.

Song of the Exposition

Implied as the new setting where the muse installs herself amid modern industry.

To Thee Columbia

Addressed as Columbia, the personification of the nation.

The Cathedral of Industry

The nation whose banners and states are represented in the envisioned palace.

Chapter 6

Addressed directly as the recipient of the new pyramids and obelisks, representing the nation's enduring legacy.

Away with Themes of War

The chapter celebrates American industry and progress, including the Pacific railroad and Brooklyn bridge.

America the Union

Addressed directly as 'Thou America' and 'sacred Union,' the nation is personified as a protective, all-absorbing entity.

The Flag and the Union

Addressed as 'dear Mother' and 'Union', the embodiment of the nation to which all work and lives belong.

Song of the Redwood-Tree

The land and the emerging nation for which the redwood sacrifices itself, envisioned as a place of democracy and industry.

A California Song

The new empire of the Western shore is dedicated to America's hidden national will and spiritual manhood.

The Flashing and Golden Pageant of California

America is depicted as the land being settled and organized, embodying the new bustling race and the global reach of its ports.

The Promise of the New World

Referred to as the 'true America,' heir of the past, destined to build a grander future.

A Song for Occupations

The nation is invoked as the collective body of workers, embodying democracy and the unity of diverse labors.

Song of Myself, Section 2

Implied through references to 'this country and every country' and the diverse people of the nation.

The Grandeur of Existence and the Self

Mentioned in the context of the Union and Constitution being grand and good.

The Sum of All Reverence

Implied as the context for the President, Congress, laws, and commerce that serve the individual.

Chapter 6: The Immanent Divine

Referenced through 'these States' and the workmen and workwomen who embody its divine and strong life.

A Song of the Rolling Earth

Implied as the land and people embodying the rolling earth's song.

Birds of Passage

America is referenced as part of the broader human experience.

Song of the Universal

America is addressed directly as the culmination of the universal scheme, embracing all and tending toward the ideal.

America's Culmination

Addressed directly as the embodiment of the scheme's culmination, embracing all and tending toward the ideal.

Pioneers! O Pioneers!

Implied as the land and nation being built by the pioneers from Colorado, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Missouri.

France

The 18th year of these States is mentioned, linking the American context to France's revolution.

Year of Meteors

America is referenced through its census returns, population tables, ships, and the arrival of immigrants and gold.

With Antecedents

Presented as the culmination of past ages and the vessel of the present moment.

With Antecedents

America is portrayed as the culmination of past ages, arriving and making the present year.

Chapter 2

Declared to be exactly as it must be, no better and no worse.

The Present as the Center of All Days

Invoked through the phrase 'in the name of these States,' representing the collective identity and destiny.

A Broadway Pageant

America is personified as the host of the pageant, embodying democratic ideals and welcoming foreign dignitaries.

Over the Western Sea

Represented by Manhattan and the city's vibrant, unpent descent into celebration.

Superb-Faced Manhattan

Addressed as 'Libertad' and 'America the mistress', the central figure of the new empire.

Libertad and the World

Implied as the young Libertad, the new world receiving homage from the old.

To the Man-of-War-Bird

Mentioned as the bird looks upon America at morn, linking the bird's journey to the nation.

By the Roadside

Implied presence in the democratic and communal imagery.

A Boston Ballad

Represented by the Stars and Stripes, the government cannon, and the citizens of Boston.

Europe

Implied as the context of 'These States' in the subtitle, contrasting the European struggle with American ideals.

To a President

Addressed as the recipient of the President's dangled mirages.

I Sit and Look Out

Implied as the setting where the scenes of oppression, degradation of laborers, poor, and negroes occur.

To Rich Givers

Implied setting as the speaker journeys through the States.

To the States

The sleeping States, addressed as South, North, East, West, inland and seaboard, destined to awake.

Drum-Taps

The nation itself, torn by conflict but striving toward unity and healing.

First O Songs for a Prelude

America is embodied in Manhattan's swift and unified response to the call to arms, representing the nation's resolve.

Eighteen Sixty-One

Implied through references to Manhattan, the West, and various American rivers and cities.

Beat! Beat! Drums!

The nation whose daily life—cities, farms, homes—is violently disrupted by the war.

From Paumanok Starting I Fly Like a Bird

The collective states and regions that the narrator visits and sings for.

Song of the Banner at Daybreak

The nation is embodied in the banner and pennant, representing the thirty-eight states, the vast land, and the people, with the poet singing of its identity and future.

Rise O Days from Your Fathomless Deeps

Personified as 'warlike America' rising, embodying the fierce, electric energy of the nation.

Chapter 2

Manhattan, Cincinnati, Chicago rise as manifestations of America's advancing, menacing front.

Thunder on! Stride on, Democracy!

Described as 'warlike America' rising, the source of the narrator's satisfaction.

Virginia—The West

Referred to as the 'Mother of All,' she calmly addresses the rebellious, asserting her unity and the inevitability of defense from her own children.

City of Ships

The city embodies America as a world city where all races contribute.

The Centenarian's Story

The nation whose early struggle and sacrifice are embodied in the centenarian's tale and the ground of Brooklyn.

Cavalry Crossing a Ford

The scene embodies the diverse, active American military spirit.

As Toilsome I Wander’d Virginia’s Woods

Implied through the setting of Virginia's woods and the context of the Civil War.

Not the Pilot

The march is composed for 'these States,' representing the nation and its future.

The Wound-Dresser

Implied through the setting of the Civil War and the soldiers of the Union.

Long, Too Long America

America is addressed directly, having learned from joys and prosperity, now called to learn from anguish and grapple with fate.

Give Me the Splendid Silent Sun

Manhattan and its streets symbolize the American urban experience and the nation's collective life.

Give Me the Splendid Silent Sun

Implied through references to the Mississippi, the war-strife, and the urban landscape of the city.

Keep Your Splendid Silent Sun

Manhattan and its crowds represent the nation's bustling, diverse spirit.

Over the Carnage Rose Prophetic a Voice

Referenced as Columbia and the Mother of All, the nation that will be made victorious through the love of its people.

Ethiopia Saluting the Colors

Implied as the nation undergoing Civil War, with the woman's presence reflecting its troubled history.

World Take Good Notice

Implied as the source of the warning, flaunting signals from its shores.

How Solemn as One by One

Implied setting of Washington City and the returning ranks.

Delicate Cluster

Addressed as 'my matron mighty' and 'my mother,' the flag represents the nation itself.

Lo, Victress on the Peaks

Addressed as 'Victress on the peaks' and 'Libertad,' triumphant over conspiring toils.

To the Leaven’d Soil They Trod

The leaven'd soil of the general Western world is invoked as witness to the songs.

Memories of President Lincoln

The nation grieving the loss of its leader, embodying collective sorrow and hope.

When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d

The land is depicted in its vastness—Manhattan, prairies, cities—as the setting for the funeral and the poet's vision.

Coffin That Passes Through Lanes and Streets

The nation depicted as draped in black and mourning collectively.

Lo, Body and Soul

The land is personified as a varied and ample entity, with cities and prairies.

To the Tally of My Soul

The vision encompasses the armies and battle-flags of the nation at war.

O Captain! My Captain!

The shores and people exulting in the ship's return, symbolizing the nation celebrating the Union's victory.

This Dust Was Once the Man

The Union that was saved through the man's actions.

By Blue Ontario’s Shore

The nation itself is addressed and personified as the subject of the poet's song.

By Blue Ontario's Shore

The phantom speaks from the soul of America, demanding a poem of democracy.

A Nation Announcing Itself

Addressed as the nation that announces itself, self-pois'd and branching over the world.

Piety and Conformity

Addressed as lands and a race of pride, called to be freer than all that has been before.

America as the Heir of Ages

Portrayed as the heir and builder who surpasses past civilizations, standing spacious, composite, and sound.

Land of Lands and Bards to Corroborate

The land itself, with its diverse geography, history, and social fabric, is personified and embraced by the poet.

Chapter 7

Libertad is a personification of American liberty, depicted as triumphant and fierce.

Chapter 8: The Republic Ever Constructive

Addressed as the Republic that builds for mankind, ever constructive and forward-looking.

The Phantom by Ontario's Shore

Described as needing poets to fuse the States into a compact organism, and as a Mother prolific yet barren.

The Poet as Arbiter and Equalizer

The States are the context for the poet's unifying and equalizing work.

The Poet's Vocation in America

America is the subject of the poet's address and the land that must be understood and served.

Chapter 13

America is portrayed as self-justifying, impassive, and selective, advancing only toward those like itself.

Fall Behind Me States

Addressed as 'O Mother,' the narrator asks if he has been faithful to her and kept her before him through life.

The Individual as the Center of All

Mentioned as not being the source of greatness; the American compact is with individuals.

Nativity and Self

Referenced as 'these States,' whose manners favor audacity and sublime turbulence.

America Is You and Me

America is portrayed as the collective of individuals, encompassing both its virtues and vices, and as a teacher of equality.

Confronting the Cosmos

Described as isolated yet embodying all, ultimately identified with the narrator.

Bards of the Great Idea

Addressed as 'O Mother,' the boundless expectant soul of the nation.

Autumn Rivulets

The nation is invoked as a central figure in the poems.

As Consequent, etc.

The continent and nation whose shores receive the waifs and tidings from the deep.

The Return of the Heroes

Addressed as 'Fecund America,' the 'Prairie Dame,' and 'Mistress of the tranquil barns,' embodying boundless fertility and hospitality.

Autumn Fields

The lands and harvests symbolize the American landscape and its fecundity.

Fecund America

Personified as a fecund, wealthy, and hospitable land, blessed with abundance and compared to a huge ship and a Prairie Dame.

The Turn from War

The land whose maimed darlings are mourned in the poem.

The Return of the Heroes

The lands are addressed as victorious, with victory found not on the battlefields but in the peaceful aftermath.

Toil on Heroes

Addressed as the maternal, powerful presence overseeing and enabling the harvest.

There Was a Child Went Forth

America is embodied through the diverse scenes of city and country, including the barefoot negro boy and girl, reflecting the nation's people and landscapes.

Song of Prudence

Implied through the setting of Manhattan's streets and the mention of 'the good old cause' and 'ancient nations whose fragments we inherit.'

Outlines for a Tomb

The land and rivers (Connecticut, Thames, Potomac, Patapsco, Hudson, Mississippi) are invoked to embody the scale of the deceased's legacy.

Silent, My Soul

The scenes depict the varied life of America's people—city and country, women, men, and children—in their labor and domestic joys.

Laws for Creations

The nation for which fresh broods of teachers and perfect literats are intended.

I Was Looking a Long While

Implied through the focus on democracy and the average man of today.

Kosmos

Referenced implicitly through the 'large politics of these States' and the democratic vision of a city and poem.

Who Learns My Lesson Complete?

Implied through the inclusive list of American types: boss, journeyman, merchant, editor, etc.

O Star of France

Referenced as 'Columbia' at the end, reflecting the transatlantic bond.

An Old Man’s Thought of School

Addressed directly, urged to reckon its future through its girlhood, boyhood, teachers, and schools.

Wandering at Morn

America is addressed as 'thee' and 'my country,' coiled in evil times with craft and black dismay, yet the narrator trusts in its future song.

Italian Music in Dakota

The landscape and spirit of the American frontier, personified as Nature, that listens and acknowledges the music.

With All Thy Gifts

Addressed directly as the recipient of power, wealth, and extent, yet questioned about lacking the gift of perfect women.

The Prairie States

America is embodied in the prairie states, described as a 'newer garden of creation' and a 'teeming paradise' that represents the nation's progress and unity.

Proud Music of the Storm

Implicitly present as the land and people whose music and identity are celebrated.

A Festival Song of the Soul

Referenced indirectly through the conquering army, banners torn but flying, and the democratic gathering of faces.

Ah from a Little Child

America is present through the mention of 'current lands' and the open air camp-meeting, grounding the global music in the American landscape.

Passage to India

Represented as the land from which the passage begins, embodying progress and democracy.

Passage to India

The continent over which the Pacific railroad is built, tying the Eastern to the Western sea.

Passage to India!

America is born as a nation, fulfilling a vast purpose.

Year of the Purpose Accomplish'd

America is the vantage point from which the narrator beholds the global panorama, representing the New World joining with the Old.

The Sleepers

The land and its diverse people are represented among the sleepers, from slaves to presidents.

The Sleepers

Implied by the diverse array of sleepers—prisoner, runaway son, murderer, politician, emigrant—representing the nation's people.

The Red Squaw

The red squaw represents the indigenous peoples of America, evoking a sense of lost connection and beauty.

The Sleepers

America is implied through the mention of immigrants and the diverse peoples returning home.

To Think of Time

America is referenced as part of the broader human experience of time and mortality.

Chapter 5

Implied through references to markets, government, and elections.

Thou Mother with Thy Equal Brood

Addressed as the mother nation with an equal brood, embodying democracy and unity.

Thou Mother with Thy Equal Brood

Addressed as 'Thou Mother' with a varied brood of states.

As a Strong Bird on Pinions Free

Addressed as 'thee America' and 'dread Mother,' the embodiment of the nation and its transcendental Union.

Brain of the New World

Implied as the New World whose brain is tasked with recasting the past into the living present.

Ship of Democracy

Addressed as the 'ship of Democracy,' embodying the nation's mission and historical burden.

Beautiful World of New Superber Birth

America is addressed as the 'Mother of All' and the 'great Mother,' embodying the future world and its democratic ideals.

Land Tolerating All

Addressed directly as the land that tolerates all, faces trials, and is destined for spiritual fulfillment.

The Lord Advances

Implied through the inclusive mention of red, white, and black as deific, reflecting the nation's diverse people.

The Mystic Trumpeter

Implied in the universal vision of a reborn race and perfect world, though not explicitly named.

To a Locomotive in Winter

The locomotive is described as the 'pulse of the continent,' symbolizing America's industrial and expansive spirit.

Mannahatta

The city of Mannahatta is presented as a microcosm of America, with immigrants arriving and a free, hospitable populace.

A Riddle Song

Implied through the mention of 'the city's busiest streets' and the democratic, universal scope of the riddle.

Thoughts

The true New World and its resplendent democracies are central to the vision.

Mediums

Implied as the setting where the mediums arise, particularly referencing Chicago as a great city.

Spain, 1873–74

Addressed as Columbia, the poem invokes America's maternal face as a symbol of freedom emerging from European ruins.

Thick-Sprinkled Bunting

The flag represents America's destiny and its world-stakes.

What Best I See in Thee

Implied through the reference to the Western states and the common people who represent the nation.

As I Walk These Broad Majestic Days

The nation is depicted in its post-war peace, with its politics, produce, cities, and inventions.

Songs of Parting

Implied as the land and people left behind.

Years of the Modern

America is seen as part of a larger global drama, its performed version fading as the unperformed future advances.

Ashes of Soldiers

The soldiers are from both South and North, representing the nation divided and united in death.

Thoughts

America is depicted as a continent of glories, illustrating birth, muscular youth, freedom, and the triumph of democracies, with its states complete in themselves and leading onward.

Of These Years I Sing

Depicted as a continent of glories, illustrating birth, muscular youth, and the triumph of freedom and democracy.

2

America is depicted as a land of steady concentration, union, and future greatness, with inland cities and a free, original life.

Song at Sunset

America is the recipient of the musical strain flowing through ages and continents.

My Legacy

Implied as the context for the war remembrances and the people to whom the songs are bequeathed.

Camps of Green

Implied as the nation whose soldiers and leaders fill the camps of green.

The Sobbing of the Bells

The nation is personified as a collective body that responds to the death-news with heartbeats of grief.

As They Draw to a Close

Implied in the call to compact diverse lives and put rapport with nature.

So Long!

America is invoked as the land where a future race of superb persons and perfect mothers will arise.

Sands at Seventy

The nation and its people, celebrated as a source of inspiration and unity.

Mannahatta

The city Mannahatta is part of America, celebrated for its indigenous heritage.

A Carol Closing Sixty-Nine

Addressed as 'my Land,' with its rivers, prairies, States, and mottled Flag, held in aggregate entirety.

The Wallabout Martyrs

Addressed directly as the beneficiary of the martyrs' sacrifice, the nation built upon their bones.

America

Personified as a grand, sane, towering mother, chair'd in the adamant of Time.

To-day and Thee

Implied as the heir to the long-stretched game of nations and time.

Proudly the Flood Comes In

Implied through the flag 'the flag I love' and the depiction of American life and commerce.

Election Day, November, 1884

The nation personified, whose choosing day is the central subject of the poem.

Death of General Grant

Implied as the nation whose history and conflict are referenced in the 'great play on history’s stage'.

Washington’s Monument, February, 1885

Mentioned as not the sole possessor of Washington's legacy; his influence extends to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Broadway

Broadway is depicted as a microcosm of America's diverse and teeming life.

Yonnondio

The nation whose landscapes and indigenous peoples are fading and being replaced by cities, farms, and factories.

Small the Theme of My Chant

Referenced as 'the New World' for which the song is intended.

The United States to Old World Critics

The United States speaks directly to Old World critics, defending its focus on practical, material foundations.

While Not the Past Forgetting

The nation is invoked as the setting for reconciliation between North and South.

Orange Buds by Mail from Florida

Addressed as 'thee' and 'thy broad expanse,' the nation whose unity and progress are proven by the arrival of the buds.

The Dead Emperor

Columbia, the personification of America, mourns the Emperor.

Now Precedent Songs, Farewell

Referenced through 'country's loss or safety' and 'Thou Mother with thy Equal Brood.'

Preface Note to 2nd Annex

America is invoked as the land and sea from which his poems arise, and as the future nation that must realize the cost of the Civil War.

On, on the Same, Ye Jocund Twain!

Referenced as the nation whose crucial stage is being chanted, along with humanity's.

My 71st Year

Referenced indirectly through the war of '63 and '4, the Civil War.

Bravo, Paris Exposition!

America sends its applause, love, memories, and good-will to the Paris Exposition.

Old Chants

Addressed as the inheritor and culmination of ancient poetic traditions.

A Christmas Greeting

Implied as the northern star-group reaching out to the southern brother.

A Twilight Song

The nation from which the gathered dead came, North, South, East, West.

A Voice from Death

Depicted as bending low in mourning, urged to take the lesson of cataclysm to heart.

The Commonplace

Implied as the land of farms, work, and democratic foundations.

A Kiss to the Bride

The nation is personified as the source of benisons from East, West, North, and South, and the collective entity offering the kiss.

Nay, Tell Me Not To-day the Publish’d Shame

Represented by the 'Equal States' and the honest farms, mothers, sisters, wives, and homes that embody the nation's deep integrities.

A Thought of Columbus

Implied as the 'Western World' that grows up from Columbus's discovery.

A Backward Glance O'er Travel'd Roads

The United States is presented as the essential soil and subject for a new, autochthonous poetry.