Leaves of Grass
“From Montauk Point”
By Walt Whitman

I stand as on some mighty eagle’s beak,
Eastward the sea absorbing, viewing,
(nothing but sea and sky,)
The tossing waves, the foam,
the ships in the distance,
The wild unrest, the snowy, curling caps --
that inbound urge and urge of waves,
Seeking the shores forever.

··· Walt Whitman ···

Web Author’s note: In 1888, Montauk Point Light inspired Walt Whitman to compose “From Montauk Point” which was included in his poem, Leaves of Grass.  From July 4, 1855 to 1891, Walt Whitman printed eight editions of this poem including revisions and additions to define the American experience in the eyes of the poet.  Each subsequent edition represented a new period in the poet’s life as well as the nation’s.

Document Updated: Mon, 05 Mar 2007, 10:05:00am EST (GMT-4)