Leaves of Grass is a wonderful poetry collection written by American poet Walt Whitman. First edition of this collection was published in 1855 with twelve poems. Through out his life, he revised this composition and after four decades, it was compiled in a collection of 400 poems. In these poems he expressed philosophy of life and humanity. He has written praiseworthy poems on nature. He didn't follow rhyme and standard rules for meter and line length rather he set his own style. He emerges as a hero in epic 'Song of Myself'. His incredible writing depicts as he has seen all the world. He has written all sorts of poems like - social, political, personal and sexual in nature. His poetic journey and self exploration are most commendable, represents his philosophy of life. He has shown an impressive comparison between fallen autumn leaves and rebirth of a new life after death. His passionate writing is delightful and pleasure giving. He expresses his deep concern for people's individuality and immortality. 'Song of the Open Road' is such a marvellous composition. In his poems as a true patriotic citizen he sings for glorious America.
Walt Whitman was an American poet, born on 31 May 1819 in West Hills on Long Island. His parents were Walter Whitman and Louisa Van Velsor. His father owned a large farmland which was sold out earlier his birth, so his childhood was in sufferings. At the 11 years of age, he left formal schooling. He did several jobs, as a printer, journalist, teacher and a government clerk. In his poems he expressed over freedom, individuality, sensuality, divinity and nature. Leaves of Grass was Whitman's most well-known work, first published in 1855 by Whitman himself, initially it was composition of 12 poems. His few significant poems were-'Song of Myself' and 'I Sing the Body Electric' O Captain! My Captain!. He focused on humanism, rationalism and democratic thoughts. He emphasized on gains as well loss also. Due to his incredible writing he is popularly called as 'father of free verse' and 'bard of democracy'. He was died on 26 March 1892. His notable works-Franklin Evans, The Half Breed, Life and Adventures of Jack Engle, Drum- Taps, Leaves of Grass, etc.
