Lately, I’ve been inspired by the poetry of Walt Whitman, especially Song of the Open Road.
When I was studying at Yale Divinity School, our gospel choir director Mark Miller set an excerpt of this poem to music and we sang it at a time that was particularly meaningful for many of us.
Thanks both to Walt & to Mark for adding this rich layer of meaning to my life. I hope it brings inspiration to you as well, as you consider what lies ahead:
Allons! The road is before us,
it is safe, I have tried it
my own feet have tried it well.
Be not detained, Allons!
Be not detained.
Allons, allons, allons…Henceforth I ask not good fortune
I myself am good fortune.
Strong, content, I travel the open road
Allons!Whoever you are come travel with me!
Travelling with me you find what never tires
be not detained, Allons!
Allons, allons, allons…I did not know I held so much goodness,
I did not know
I did not know.
I did not know I held so much goodness.
Allons, allons, allons…
Allons, allons, allons!
(Excerpted by Mark Miller. The poetry of Walt Whitman has been ‘working on him’ for years.)
February 18, 2011 at 3:42 pm
i join you in exploring and gaining a greater understanding of consciousness, prayer, memories, and meditation; my personal god is nature, and I live in an environment that constantly feeds this connection. Allons!
February 18, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Please see my website: monicadevine.blogspot.com
I look forward to following your thoughts, experiences and research into the great Mystery!
March 31, 2011 at 11:46 am
Well I’ve been lobbying for Palo Alto to have a poet laureate so I am glad that Whitman is an inspiration for you.
I have an Allen Ginsberg tribute project called “Beat Hotel Rm 32” — Ginsberg is influenced by Whitman.