Poem Analysis - As The Time Draws Nigh

A Shadow of Uncertainty

Walt Whitman's "As the Time Draws Nigh" is a brief yet profound meditation on mortality and legacy. The poem opens with a sense of foreboding, a darkening mood as the speaker contemplates the approaching end. However, this initial dread gives way to a quiet acceptance and even a sense of triumph, acknowledging the impact of his life and work. The poem's tone shifts from anxiety to affirmation, ultimately embracing the present moment and the lasting power of the soul.

The Inevitable Journey and Looming End

The opening lines immediately establish the theme of mortality. The phrase "As the time draws nigh" speaks directly to the speaker's awareness of his impending death. The "cloud" and "dread beyond" imagery create a powerful sense of unease and the unknown that accompanies the end of life. This dread is further emphasized by the speaker's uncertainty about his future, even the short-term, expressed in the lines "I shall traverse The States awhile—but I cannot tell whither or how long; Perhaps soon, some day or night while I am singing, my voice will suddenly cease." This encapsulates the unpredictable nature of life and death, a theme Whitman explores with honesty and vulnerability.

The Enduring Power of Creation

The second stanza introduces the theme of legacy and the enduring power of creation. The speaker questions whether his life's work, represented by the "book" and "chants," will amount to only a beginning. This reveals a concern about the impact and longevity of his artistic contributions. However, the subsequent lines offer a powerful counterpoint: "And yet it is enough, O soul! O soul! we have positively appear’d—that is enough." This shift signifies a recognition that simply existing, creating, and making one's presence felt is a significant accomplishment. It suggests that the act of creation itself, the "appearing," holds intrinsic value, regardless of what comes after.

Soul as a symbol of resilience

The poem's use of the soul as a recurring symbol is crucial to understanding its message. The soul represents the speaker's essential self, his inner being that transcends the physical realm. By addressing the soul directly ("O soul!"), Whitman emphasizes its importance and its ability to endure beyond death. The soul becomes a symbol of resilience, a testament to the speaker's existence and a source of comfort in the face of mortality. The repetition highlights the soul's significance, reinforcing the idea that its "appearing" is indeed "enough."

From Dread to Acceptance

In conclusion, "As the Time Draws Nigh" is a poignant exploration of mortality and the search for meaning in the face of death. Whitman navigates the complex emotions associated with the end of life, moving from initial dread and uncertainty to a final acceptance and affirmation of the value of existence. The poem ultimately suggests that simply making one's presence felt, leaving a mark on the world through creation and connection, is a profound and lasting achievement. The poem serves as a reminder to cherish the present moment and to find solace in the enduring power of the human spirit.