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.)
Allons! 
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.