30 Walt Whitman Poems About Praise You May Be Interested In

Walt Whitman​ stands as one of America’s most important and original poets. His poetry speaks with a powerful and open voice. He celebrated democracy, nature, the human body, and the soul. He praised the common people. He honored work, struggle, and the mysteries of life. More than anything, Whitman’s poetry often expressed a deep sense of praise—praise for existence itself.

Whitman’s major work, Leaves of Grass, contains a wide range of poetic styles and themes. It evolved throughout his life. He revised and expanded the collection in several editions. Within these pages, readers can find dozens of poems that express joy, admiration, respect, and spiritual wonder. Whether praising the body, the laborer, the landscape, or the soul’s journey, Whitman gives his words with boldness and passion.

In this article, we explore thirty poems by Walt Whitman that center on praise. These poems may uplift the spirit, open the heart, or stir the reader’s mind. Each one reflects a facet of Whitman’s poetic vision. The language is often simple. The meaning, however, reaches deep.

1. Song of Myself

This long poem stands at the heart of Whitman’s work. It is both personal and universal. He praises the self, the soul, and the world around him. He celebrates the human body and the interconnectedness of all people.

2. I Sing the Body Electric

In this poem, Whitman praises the human form. He sees beauty and holiness in both male and female bodies. He connects physical appearance with spiritual worth. The poem is a hymn to the human presence.

3. One’s-Self I Sing

This poem begins with a declaration of praise. Whitman sings the self, the individual, the modern man. He honors equality between body and soul, between male and female.

4. I Hear America Singing

This short, joyful poem praises the working people of America. It gives attention to mechanics, carpenters, mothers, and more. Each person’s song becomes part of a national chorus.

5. Song of the Open Road

Here, Whitman praises freedom and travel. He walks forward on the open road and invites others to join him. The poem lifts up the spirit of movement and possibility.

6. Crossing Brooklyn Ferry

Whitman reflects on time and unity. He praises the shared experience of people across generations. The river becomes a symbol of connection.

7. When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d

This elegy for President Lincoln is filled with deep sorrow, but also reverence. Whitman praises Lincoln and honors his death with images of nature and song.

8. Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking

This poem combines memory, longing, and music. Whitman praises the mysterious power of nature and the origin of poetic inspiration.

9. A Noiseless Patient Spider

Whitman praises the soul’s brave efforts. Like a spider casting its thread, the soul seeks meaning and connection. The poem quietly honors persistence.

10. O Captain! My Captain!

In this famous elegy for Lincoln, Whitman uses nautical imagery to praise leadership and sacrifice. The tone is both admiring and grieving.

11. Salut Au Monde!

This energetic poem praises the people of the entire world. Whitman addresses many nations, cultures, and languages with open arms. He expresses love for global humanity.

12. Faces

Whitman looks closely at human faces. He sees mystery and story in each one. The poem praises the uniqueness of each person.

13. To You

This short piece addresses the unknown reader. It praises the bond between poet and audience. It also hints at shared understanding beyond time and space.

14. A Song for Occupations

Here, Whitman praises everyday labor. He respects work of all kinds. He sees dignity in effort and equality among all workers.

15. There Was a Child Went Forth

This poem praises childhood and learning. Every object and person the child sees becomes part of him. Whitman celebrates growth and perception.

16. I Sit and Look Out

Though this poem focuses on suffering, it still contains admiration. Whitman honors those who endure pain in silence. He bears witness with respect.

17. By Blue Ontario’s Shore

In this poem, Whitman praises the future of America. He envisions a strong, poetic voice rising from the nation. He ties poetry with freedom.

18. When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer

Whitman quietly praises the experience of wonder. Instead of scientific charts, he chooses direct experience of the stars. The poem honors silent awe.

19. Miracles

This poem declares that everything is a miracle. From daily scenes to large events, Whitman praises all things with equal joy. Nothing is too small.

20. This Compost

Whitman praises the healing power of nature. Even death and decay return to life. The earth renews itself. He admires its silent work.

21. From Pent-Up Aching Rivers

This passionate poem praises desire. Whitman expresses human longing without shame. He lifts it up as a natural and sacred force.

22. A Song of Joys

This poem overflows with praise. Whitman sings of many things—laughter, labor, landscapes, friendship. He names joy after joy.

23. Whoever You Are Holding Me Now in Hand

Whitman addresses the reader with intimacy. He praises connection between writer and reader. He asks for deep, honest attention.

24. The Sleepers

In this visionary poem, Whitman walks among sleeping people. He blesses them. He enters their dreams. He praises their hidden lives.

25. From Noon to Starry Night

This sequence contains several poems that praise time, nature, and the unfolding of the day. Whitman moves from sunlight to starlight with reverence.

26. A Clear Midnight

Whitman praises the quiet hour of reflection. He honors the soul’s need for thought, poetry, and night. It is a peaceful poem of praise.

27. Earth, My Likeness

The poet speaks to the Earth as a mirror. He praises the world as both companion and reflection. There is intimacy in the voice.

28. To a Stranger

Whitman praises human connection—even a momentary glance. He suggests that all people may share deep, hidden bonds.

29. As I Ebb’d with the Ocean of Life

Though filled with self-doubt, this poem ends with renewal. Whitman finds praise in struggle. He honors the ocean and his own poetic path.

30. Spirit That Form’d This Scene

Whitman praises the spirit of creation. He walks in nature and addresses the unseen force behind it. The tone is mystical and grand.

Conclusion: The Many Faces of Praise in Whitman’s Work

Walt Whitman wrote with a wide and generous heart. He found praise in the body, the soul, the earth, the stars, the worker, and the unknown reader. His voice welcomed all. It blessed the ordinary and the divine.

Through these thirty poems, we hear Whitman’s deep affirmation of life. His praise is not limited to religion or poetry—it fills every corner of human experience. He invites the reader to see, to feel, and to celebrate. In Whitman’s world, every person and every moment is worthy of song.