So April is national poetry month. I’m a little behind the ball, but still snuck in just under the wire. I’ve never really been into poetry, but I do like some stuff. Since I’m a fan of Walt Whitman, I will incorporate a piece from his Leaves of Grass in honor of national poetry month. Here’s my rendition with photograph visuals to help you understand the meaning of Walt’s words (yeah right):
Electric Water Pageant. Seven Seas Lagoon – Walt Disney World. 2009
“I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear
Fire dancer – Polynesian Resort – Walt Disney World – 2011
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong
German Pavilion – Epcot – Walt Disney World – 2012
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam
Tea House at Vikingsholm Castle – Emerald Bay – South Lake Tahoe – 2011
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work
Jungle Parade – Animal Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World – 2009
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat,
Captain Jack Sparrow – Magic Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World – 2012
the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck,
Meerkat – Animal Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World – 2012
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench,
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World – 2010
the hatter singing as he stands,
Brer Fox and friends – Critter Country – Disneyland 2010
The wood-cutter’s song,
Draft horse topiary – It’s A Small World – Disneyland – 2012
the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning,
New Orleans Square – Disneyland – 2010
or at noon intermission
Cinderella Castle – Magic Kingdom – Walt Disney World – 2009
or at sundown
Critter Country – Disneyland – 2010
The delicious singing of the mother,
Momma and baby – Animal Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World – 2012
or of the young wife at work,
Me and my washboard – Hoop Dee Doo Revue – Fort Wilderness – Walt Disney World – 2009
or of the girl sewing or washing,
Roy Disney and Minnie Mouse – Main St. USA – Magic Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World – 2009
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
Me at the Not So Scary Halloween Party – Magic Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World – 2012
The day what belongs to the day —
A scene from Mary Poppins – The Great Movie Ride – Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park – Walt Disney World – 2009
at night the party of young fellows,
My sweetie pie after his first ride on Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World – 2012
robust, friendly,
Donald Duck bronze – Mickey’s Philharmonic – Magic Kingdom Park – Walt Disney World – 2009
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.”
So as you can see, sometimes I find poetry inspiring.
What about you – do you “get” poetry? Are you a fan? Who can you relate to?
Word of the Day: Jejune
Fun fact about me: With the exception of Alaska (which I shall rectify this fall), I have been in every State west of the Mississippi river. (And almost all of them east of as well.)
Original post by Jansen Schmidt April 2014. Original photos by P. Rickrode and C. Rickrode.
jansenschmidt 