Leaves of Grass · Chapter
Abraham Lincoln, Born Feb. 12, 1809 explained
A brief commemorative poem honoring the birth of Abraham Lincoln, offering a collective breath of prayer and thought to his memory.
What happens
A brief commemorative poem honoring the birth of Abraham Lincoln, offering a collective breath of prayer and thought to his memory.
Themes in this chapter
America and Its People
The poem honors a key American figure, reflecting on national memory and collective reverence.
Death and Immortality
The poem invokes memory and prayer for Lincoln, suggesting his enduring legacy beyond death.
Characters to notice
- My Captain
Implied reference to Abraham Lincoln as the honored figure being remembered.
Key passages
“To-day, from each and all, a breath of prayer—a pulse of thought, To memory of Him—to birth of Him.”
Today, everyone joins in a moment of prayer and reflection, honoring the memory and birth of Lincoln.
The poem calls for a unified act of remembrance on Lincoln's birthday.