Miracles by Walt Whitman (1867)
The work is a meditation on the pervasive wonder of existence, asserting that every aspect of life is miraculous. It dismisses the idea that only extraordinary or supernatural events qualify as miracles by highlighting the beauty inherent in the natural world and everyday human experiences. The speaker catalogues mundane scenes—a bustling city street, the quiet beauty of nature, the intimacy of relationships, the routine observation of machinery and children at play—and elevates each as a profound manifestation of life’s inherent perfection. Every element of the environment, from the expansive landscapes and intricate details of flora and fauna to the simple act of sharing moments with loved ones, is presented as imbued with mystery and significance. The text challenges readers to redefine wonder, urging recognition that the magical is not confined to spectacular or rare events but is found in every moment and detail of existence. With a tone of confident realism, the work dismantles conventional boundaries between the ordinary and the miraculous, inviting an appreciation for the intrinsic beauty that saturates all facets of life. It is both a celebration and an invitation: to see and experience the world as a tapestry of interconnected wonders, where each minute detail—from the curve of the moon to the everyday interactions among people—is valued as an exemplary miracle in its own right.
By Walt Whitman · First published 1867 · Genre: Poetry, Transcendentalism, Nature Writing · 568 words
First lines
1. What shall I give? and which are my miracles?
2. Realism is mine -- my miracles -- Take freely, / Take without end -- I offer them to you wherever your feet can carry you or / your eyes reach.
What this Textopian page supports
Miracles is listed on Textopian as a poem by Walt Whitman, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Walt Whitman
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Transcendentalism, Nature Writing, Philosophical, Realism
- Length: 568 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Miracles by Walt Whitman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is composed in lyrical free verse characteristic of Whitman's innovative poetic style, emphasizing beauty and wonder in everyday life.
- Transcendentalism — Its celebration of nature and the inner spirit aligns with transcendental ideals that find the divine in all aspects of existence.
- Nature Writing — The frequent and vivid imagery of natural elements underscores the text's focus on the miraculous qualities inherent in the natural world.
- Philosophical — Through reflective meditations on existence, the work explores profound existential themes, inviting contemplation on the nature of reality.
Tags
poetry · philosophy · spiritual · transcendental · free verse · lyrical · celebration · nature · wonder · mystical · existential · humanism