Walt Whitman

To the Reader at Parting

To the Reader at Parting - meaning Summary

A Brief Intimate Farewell

A short, direct farewell in which the speaker addresses the reader as an intimate companion. The poem frames parting as temporary: a tender kiss is offered as a personal token and blessing. Its tone mixes warmth, urgency, and hope, turning a private goodbye into a shared moment and suggesting future reunion. The reader is made an active participant rather than a distant observer.

Read Complete Analyses

NOW, dearest comrade, lift me to your face, We must separate awhile—Here! take from my lips this kiss. Whoever you are, I give it especially to you; So long!—And I hope we shall meet again.

default user
PoetryVerse just now

Feel free to be first to leave comment.

8/2200 - 0