May 2014

Walt Whitman was a ******.



That's what we say when we cross his bridge

from South Philly to Jersey

and see what he would see:



the river solid waveless with trees green around

feeding from the water on the left and far beyond

the watertable real for a minute from the arched metal

and the city visible wholly with warehouses rowhomes

inches apart and glass buildings and all burnt orange

by four o'clock sun but clear on blue sky



but you know he was a ******?



and the city all one in your eye if you want it to be

and the languages together between the buildings



all the blacks asians whites itlalians irish polish

moving together and talking and eating the food

working and riding cars and buses around

the liberty bell and independence hall



it is brooklyn ferry it was his prophesy



but you know he was ******?

a big jersey boy *** yea

