I went to that film exhibit, as well as your mom’s art exhibit in Rockaway in 2014! It was one of the best days I’ve ever had. I wrote a poem for Walt Whitman on site, because it was so moving. If I can find it I will share it and tag you and your mom. My boyfriend and I then walked the path and found the blocks with W.W.’s quotes that your mom placed in his honor. It was truly a magical day and otherworldly!
thanks for the reminder! you may enjoy this little book that I made with photographer friend featuring 's Whitman's poetry, it's called, "I see Americans." If you're interested, I'll send you a free copy. Let me know. Thanks, I am a huge fan of your mom's work too, best
Jesse, thank you for this thoughtful post - your connection to the "good gray poet" is clearly felt.
I think of him every day as I walk along the edge of the creek bank, grasping the saplings and pulling myself back on the path. lSomewhere in Specimen Days he mentions doing a similar activity, but I can't remember if it was part of his regimen while recuperating from his stroke, or just for exercise. I loaned the book out a few years ago so I can't check. Anyway, I'll send belated greetings to him via the universe when I go walking shortly. And thank you for the reminder. Mind how you go.
An incredibly heartwarming post, a healing balm for these troubled times. The wisdom poets bring an instant feeling of grounding and universal connection. Thank you for being a conduit across the ages. ❤️
Happy birthday, Mister Walt! I was very inspired by Leaves of Grass when I was a teenager, at the same time that I discovered Thoreau's Walden, it was a sweet spot of inspiration for me to write. I do hope the recordings will be found someday!
Happy Birthday Walt Whitman and thank you for your lovely story of playing with you mom. I really hope one day a recording shows up. Love from London 🙏
Thank you for creating this beautiful, moving, and heartfelt tribute to Whitman on his birthday. I love reading the series of his quotes that you selected from his writing. I found myself smiling as I read your joyful stories about the sense of connection and love that you feel for Whitman; your words are full of heart and this light shines in your writing.
Allen Ginsberg wrote a poem about Whitman, titled ‘A Supermarket in California.’ Ginsberg begins: “What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whitman, for I walked down the sidestreets under the trees with a headache self-conscious looking at the full moon. In my hungry fatigue, and shopping for images, I went into the neon fruit supermarket, dreaming of your enumerations!” This poem came to my mind as I read your piece. It’s true that no matter where a person exists in the world (even if they’re browsing a fluorescent supermarket in 50s California), they can a find a way to connect with the art work of Walt Whitman; his enduring ideas about nature and humanity are universal. I enjoyed how you described the Emerson imprint on the spine of an early edition of Leaves of Grass. Without a doubt, I agree with you that many artists can share a universal connection through creating art. Carl Jung believed that all human beings share a collective unconscious, and I think that artists may have a capacity to tune into a shared collective unconsciousness. Similarly, I like to imagine that the Walt Whitman Impersonator did in fact embody the spirit of Whitman in his soul. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and bright story.
“… all human beings share a collective unconscious, and I think that artists may have a capacity to tune into a shared collective unconsciousness.” This is such a lovely and engaging thought! ❤️
Jesse, you also inform, inspire and encourage, all of us who read you. It's such a privilege to be able to read this tribute, thank you.
I went to that film exhibit, as well as your mom’s art exhibit in Rockaway in 2014! It was one of the best days I’ve ever had. I wrote a poem for Walt Whitman on site, because it was so moving. If I can find it I will share it and tag you and your mom. My boyfriend and I then walked the path and found the blocks with W.W.’s quotes that your mom placed in his honor. It was truly a magical day and otherworldly!
The quotes from Whitman are grey - the mixture of no color and all colors. A restful interlude. Thanks Jesse.
Here are a couple of clips for everyone:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTYpo7PIof0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JILsJyJIs24
thanks for the reminder! you may enjoy this little book that I made with photographer friend featuring 's Whitman's poetry, it's called, "I see Americans." If you're interested, I'll send you a free copy. Let me know. Thanks, I am a huge fan of your mom's work too, best
Owen
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL RAFELSON
https://iseeamericans.com
Jesse, thank you for this thoughtful post - your connection to the "good gray poet" is clearly felt.
I think of him every day as I walk along the edge of the creek bank, grasping the saplings and pulling myself back on the path. lSomewhere in Specimen Days he mentions doing a similar activity, but I can't remember if it was part of his regimen while recuperating from his stroke, or just for exercise. I loaned the book out a few years ago so I can't check. Anyway, I'll send belated greetings to him via the universe when I go walking shortly. And thank you for the reminder. Mind how you go.
Lovely post, so rich and full of love. A true blessing to know you Jesse.
An incredibly heartwarming post, a healing balm for these troubled times. The wisdom poets bring an instant feeling of grounding and universal connection. Thank you for being a conduit across the ages. ❤️
Excellent word conduit.
Happy birthday, Mister Walt! I was very inspired by Leaves of Grass when I was a teenager, at the same time that I discovered Thoreau's Walden, it was a sweet spot of inspiration for me to write. I do hope the recordings will be found someday!
Happy Birthday Walt Whitman and thank you for your lovely story of playing with you mom. I really hope one day a recording shows up. Love from London 🙏
Dirt for growth. Finding the light through darkness. Green and seen. What a delight.
Being the being
Be of being
Humaning
I think of Walt Whitman when I hear the first bird to sing in the morning. It’s always the same bird beginning the sympathy of the dawn.
Happy Birthday, Walt Whitman !
Thank you for your forest of inspiration. Each page a leaf.
Jesse, your writing is so natural to read. Your expression unique yet familiar. Comforting.
Lilacs and tangerines
Dancing like you’re 17 💃
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Meow
>•<
Meow meow…
Blessings and happy birthday to you Walt. A true naturist with Natue's Gods.esses.
YESYESYES Happy Birthday, Walt Whitman! I await you. With Love...
Thank you for all of this. Love you.
Thank you for creating this beautiful, moving, and heartfelt tribute to Whitman on his birthday. I love reading the series of his quotes that you selected from his writing. I found myself smiling as I read your joyful stories about the sense of connection and love that you feel for Whitman; your words are full of heart and this light shines in your writing.
Allen Ginsberg wrote a poem about Whitman, titled ‘A Supermarket in California.’ Ginsberg begins: “What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whitman, for I walked down the sidestreets under the trees with a headache self-conscious looking at the full moon. In my hungry fatigue, and shopping for images, I went into the neon fruit supermarket, dreaming of your enumerations!” This poem came to my mind as I read your piece. It’s true that no matter where a person exists in the world (even if they’re browsing a fluorescent supermarket in 50s California), they can a find a way to connect with the art work of Walt Whitman; his enduring ideas about nature and humanity are universal. I enjoyed how you described the Emerson imprint on the spine of an early edition of Leaves of Grass. Without a doubt, I agree with you that many artists can share a universal connection through creating art. Carl Jung believed that all human beings share a collective unconscious, and I think that artists may have a capacity to tune into a shared collective unconsciousness. Similarly, I like to imagine that the Walt Whitman Impersonator did in fact embody the spirit of Whitman in his soul. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and bright story.
“… all human beings share a collective unconscious, and I think that artists may have a capacity to tune into a shared collective unconsciousness.” This is such a lovely and engaging thought! ❤️
I always feel accepted and revitalized after reading his work. Thank you for this, Jesse!