Preface to Leaves of Grass (excerpt) -- Walt Whitman
Love the earth and sun and the animals,
despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks,
stand up for the stupid and crazy,
devote your income and labor to others,
hate tyrants, argue not concerning God,
have patience and indulgence toward the people,
take off your hat to nothing known or unknown,
or to any man or number of men,
go freely with powerful uneducated persons,
and with the young, and with the mothers or families,
re-examine all you have been told
in school or church or in any book,
and dismiss whatever insults your own soul;
and your very flesh shall be a great poem....
~ Walt Whitman ~
(from the Preface to Leaves of Grass, 1855 edition)
About Me
- Cindy
- Things I like: all animals, except creepy crawlies; curling up with a good book especially if it's raining outside, all things "spring", walking in the woods, daffodils and hyacinths, the smell of lilaacs blooming, cherry jolly ranchers and sprees, the color pink, vanilla frappacinos from Starbuck's and a gooey pizza with a coke!
Moloka'i by Alan BrennertMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I admit that I knew nothing about leprosy or Molokai before reading this book. I was leary to read it because human suffering is just not what I consider a 'feel good' kind of book.
How wrong I was! Yes, the book was at times heartbreaking. But it was overshadowed by the hope that humans can find during desperate, challenging, or hopeless situations. Just a wonderful novel about the strength people find deep inside to cope. It was so informative and at the same time became so engaging that it was hard to put down. The journey that Ruth led through life was just inspirational, and I would consider it a great book to read if you are feeling sorry for yourself! The author transported me, through his writing, to this small island and continued to lead me through all of the obstacles and endeavors of a life that could have or should have been so small. This life was made great and worthwhile because of the attitude and strength the author gave to the main character and other characters involved.
I can't say enough good things about this book. If you haven't read it yet, don't hesitate. You won't be sorry!
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7 comments:
I would love to read this cover to cover some day, any addition! (It's on my to read list). Thank you for sharing this.
I love Walt Whitman.
I love Walt Whitman too! never read the entire thing, but when you need inspiration, this is the place to go.
"Re-examine all that you've ever known" - I love that!!!
ah...this is why I'm Dory...
re-examine all you have been told! not known. My short-term memory sucks! :o)
I have this book of poems. I find it a hard to to read, but somehow I'm appreciating your excerpt a lot more than the rest of the book! (??)
Teri, I know exactly what you mean! The book is so hard to follow. When I come across great quotes from it; I have to go back and check...was it really there?
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