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Leaves of Grass (1891-92)
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I HEAR AMERICA SINGING.
I HEAR America singing, the varied carols I hear, |
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe
and strong,
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The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam, |
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off
work,
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The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deck-
hand singing on the steamboat deck,
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The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing
as he stands,
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The wood-cutter's song, the ploughboy's on his way in the morn-
ing, or at noon intermission or at sundown,
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The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work,
or of the girl sewing or washing,
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Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else, |
The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young
fellows, robust, friendly,
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Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs. |
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