To a Historian

by Walt Whitman · 1871
Published 01/07/1871

YOU who celebrate bygones!

Who have explored the outward, the surfaces of the races—the life that has exhibited itself;

Who have treated of man as the creature of politics, aggregates, rulers and priests;

I, habitan of the Alleghanies, treating of him as he is in himself, in his own rights,

Pressing the pulse of the life that has seldom exhibited itself, (the great pride of man in himself;)

Chanter of Personality, outlining what is yet to be,

I project the history of the future.

#individualism #personal identity #walt whitman

7 likes

Related poems →

More by Walt Whitman

Read "To a Historian" by Walt Whitman. One of the best and most popular poems on The Poet's Place. Discover more trending, inspiring, and beautiful poetry by Walt Whitman.