Souvenirs of Democracy
Souvenirs of Democracy - fact Summary
Included in Leaves of Grass
Whitman contrasts a conventional businessman who bequeaths property and tokens with the poet who has no material legacy but leaves "Souvenirs of Democracy": his poems and his whole self. The speaker presents his work as a personal, physical gift—breath, pulse, and signature—promising fidelity to readers. The poem frames artistic expression as a democratic inheritance accessible to any reader, replacing wealth with shared human connection.
Read Complete AnalysesTHE business man, the acquirer vast, After assiduous years, surveying results, preparing for departure, Devises houses and lands to his children—bequeaths stocks, goods—funds for a school or hospital, Leaves money to certain companions to buy tokens, souvenirs of gems and gold; Parceling out with care—And then, to prevent all cavil, His name to his testament formally signs. But I, my life surveying, With nothing to show, to devise, from its idle years, Nor houses, nor lands—nor tokens of gems or gold for my friends, Only these Souvenirs of Democracy—In them—in all my songs—behind me leaving, To You, who ever you are, (bathing, leavening this leaf especially with my breath—pressing on it a moment with my own hands; —Here! feel how the pulse beats in my wrists!—how my heart’s-blood is swelling, contracting!) I will You, in all, Myself, with promise to never desert you, To which I sign my name.
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