# Poets to Come explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

The speaker addresses future poets, orators, singers, and musicians, asserting that his own work is merely a preliminary gesture for a coming generation that will fully realize and justify his vision.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Poet as Prophet and Unifier

The speaker positions himself as a forerunner, entrusting future poets with the task of completing and justifying his work.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The speaker who addresses future poets and defines his own role as a precursor.

## Key lines

> I myself but write one or two indicative words for the future, I but advance a moment only to wheel and hurry back in the darkness.

I only set down a few suggestive lines for times to come; I step forward briefly, then retreat into obscurity.

_The speaker emphasizes his transient, preparatory role._

> Leaving it to you to prove and define it, Expecting the main things from you.

I leave it to you to confirm and give full meaning to what I have started; I look to you for the essential achievements.

_The speaker entrusts future generations with the fulfillment of his vision._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/poets-to-come
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters