Walt Whitman’s poem “I Hear America Singing” presents a patriotic coral that acknowledges the efforts people of different professions put into building the country. The first reaction that the poem elicited in me was joy. I felt that I could resonate with personal love for the nation and its people. Moreover, the poem sounds like music; the moment I begun reading it, I found a rhythm that matched its use of repetitive language. The simplicity of the choice of words used made recitation enjoyable.
Reflectively, the poem starts by personalizing America; the country is singing. I think giving the United States human attribute portrays the message better. For instance, I did not feel lost because of its stylistic approach as I read the poem, I noticed that the observer uses a continuous tense be because he hopes that the celebration will always be there. The poet emphasized the different professions and roles that individuals play. Specifically, he mentions the mechanics, carpenter, boatman, wood-cutter, shoe-maker, and a young wife. I knew that to understand the coral I had to appreciate the relevance of Whitman mentioning all the above instead of using one word, for example “workers.”
My interpretation is that Whitman praises America for its diversity as emphasized by the people mentioned. In addition, he states that amidst the differences, there is solidarity in singing which brings a feeling of being a part of a community. Another meaning is that America is powerful, as evident in the poet using the word “strong” at the start and end of the poem. Thus, the people are interconnected despite their individuality in great America.