Leaves of Grass

The speaker loves the human body, both that of men and women. He regards the bodily form as perfect. He admires a man walking in a well-coordinated way. He loves many different types of men and women, (although most of his examples are of men): a naked swimmer, builders of houses, rowers, female housekeepers, laborers, a mother soothing a child, a woodman wielding an axe, a young man hoeing corn, two apprentice boys wrestling outside at sunset after their day’s work, firemen. The speaker feels close to them, as if he is sharing in their activities.  

The speaker once knew a farmer who was over 80 years old, with five sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. At six feet tall, he cut a perfect figure and was energetic and wise. The speaker used to visit this highly accomplished man who sailed his own boat, hunted and fished with his sons, and was the most “beautiful and vigorous of the gang” (Line 37); everyone admired and loved him.

The speaker loves to be close to people and to touch them, men and women. He finds it deeply satisfying. He praises the female form, to which he is strongly drawn, and celebrates the sexual act of love that produces a child.