I Saw Walt Whitman - David Handsher

[Lawrence Robinson]

I Saw Walt Whitman

I dreamed I saw Walt Whitman,
shirt open, beard — a nest unwound,
standing in our class reunion photograph.  
His wry smile.  His hand casually cradling
a glass.  His eyes as clear as Long Island sun.

There is no way to cover a life’s memory,
I heard him say.  Even though I got a B-
on my essay on Leaves of Grass, I still like him,
although, after a few drinks he goes on rambling
much too long, but who doesn’t at our age?

He’d complain later after dinner about being stuck.
A twentieth century man in the 1800's America.
It made me laugh.  That was nothing compared
to being a twentieth century man left adrift in the 21st.

	- David Handsher
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