"Now Voyager" is a poem written by Walt Whitman, one of the most influential poets in American literature. It is a celebration of the human spirit, and a call to embrace the journey of life with courage and determination.
In the opening lines of the poem, Whitman invites the reader to join him on a voyage, to "sail beyond the sunset." This invitation is not just a literal call to travel to new lands, but also a metaphor for the journey of life. The voyage that Whitman describes is one of self-discovery, of leaving behind the familiar and the known in order to explore new horizons and to find one's true self.
Throughout the poem, Whitman uses vivid imagery to capture the feeling of being on a voyage. He speaks of the "rudder's pivots" and the "frosty silence," evoking the sense of movement and isolation that one might experience on a journey. The imagery is also imbued with a sense of adventure and possibility, with Whitman describing the voyage as an opportunity to "wander in the field" and to "drink the pure water."
As the poem progresses, Whitman shifts from describing the voyage itself to urging the reader to embrace it. He encourages the reader to "sail, sail your ship" and to "be not afraid" of the unknown. This is a call to take risks, to push beyond one's comfort zone, and to embrace the journey of life with courage and determination.
Whitman concludes the poem with a message of hope and inspiration, urging the reader to "sail on, on the voyage you are bound." This message is a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty and challenges, the journey of life is worth taking, and that the human spirit is capable of overcoming any obstacle.
In summary, "Now Voyager" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the human spirit and the journey of life. It invites the reader to embrace the unknown and to sail beyond the sunset, urging us to push beyond our limits and to discover our true selves.
