1
AS the time draws nigh, glooming, a cloud,
A dread beyond, of I know not what, darkens me.

I shall go forth,
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.

2
O book, O chants! must all then amount to but this?
Must we barely arrive at this beginning of us?… And yet it is enough, O soul!
O soul! we have positively appear’d—that is enough.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Walt Whitman's poem As the Time Draws Nigh.

3 Comments

  1. Michelle says:

    I believe this poem is trying to express the feeling of accomplishment. It is a good feeling to know that Walt Whitman in this poem believed that what he received and contributed in this life was enough. But it shows the comfort of dying in mind that he played his part in life which was more than enough to regard him.

  2. Donald says:

    It is a good feeling to know that walt whitman in thie poem beleived that what he received and contributed in this life was enough.

  3. Caroline says:

    This poem is so beautiful…i cant really say what its about, but it shows the comfort in dying that whitman has…i love it

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