If you feel inclined to lounge on the lawn today, we encourage you to crack open a copy of ‘Leaves of Grass,’ the life’s work of American poet Walt Whitman, whose birthday is May 31. When ‘Leaves of Grass’ was first released in 1855 it was considered controversial for its imagery of sexuality among other wide-ranging topics. Expressed as a form of free verse without rhyme and with ever-changing meter and rhythm, Whitman’s style was highly personal, but also expansive, meant to reflect the limitless possibilities of Americans and the United States itself. He spent years revising and adding to the compilation of poems and today is regarded as one of the most important of American poets. He once said, "Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you."
Leaves of Grass
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Three cheers for polar bears!
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International Archaeology Day
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Full moon
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Celebrating World Wildlife Day
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National Aviation Day
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National Moth Week
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An island in the Highlands
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Wandering Watkins Glen
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Petrified Forest National Park
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Even nature needs a backup plan…
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Bow Bridge in Central Park, New York City
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Giving Tuesday
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Wildlife crossing, Wierden, Netherlands
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Mooncake time
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Art abounds at the Palais Garnier
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A throng of ice and spires
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Dreaming of the Tyrrhenian Sea
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50 years of Earth Day
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Lanterns alight in Pingxi
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Cold? What cold?
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Leaves of Grass
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Digging the birds
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Bavljenac Island
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Dressed for winter fun
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Tigh Mor Trossachs on Loch Achray, Scotland
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This park is Superkilen
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Santorini, Greece
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Tegallalang terrace farms in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
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What are we looking at?
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World Penguin Day