My Favorite Poem
by Walt WhitmanWhen I heard the learn'd astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,
When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much
applause in the lecture-room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look'd up in the perfect silence at the stars.

1 Comments:
there definitely should be thoughts on this poem, so I'll share mine. I love it too. I especially love sharing it with my students, and seeing their confused, delighted expressions to read something that debunks the value of formal education. Good old romanticists.
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