# To a Certain Civilian explained — Leaves of Grass

> Chapter companion for Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

## What happens

The poet addresses a civilian who seeks gentle, dulcet rhymes, asserting that his own work is born of war and martial spirit, not meant for easy understanding or comfort. He dismisses the civilian's expectations and urges them to seek simpler pleasures elsewhere.

## Themes in this chapter

### Individuality and Self

The poet asserts his unique, uncompromising identity, refusing to conform to the civilian's expectations.

### The Poet as Prophet and Unifier

The poet positions himself as a prophetic voice aligned with the raw truths of war, not soothing melodies.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The speaker who rejects the civilian's request for peaceful rhymes, identifying with the raw energy of war.

### Walt Whitman

Implied as the poet whose works are born of the same spirit as war, not meant for easy consumption.

## Key lines

> Did you ask dulcet rhymes from me? Did you seek the civilian's peaceful and languishing rhymes?

Are you asking me for sweet, gentle poetry? Do you expect calm, soothing verses from me?

_The poet challenges the civilian's assumption that his work will be comforting._

> I have been born of the same as the war was born, The drum-corps' rattle is ever to me sweet music, I love well the martial dirge, With slow wail and convulsive throb leading the officer's funeral;

My origins are the same as war's; the drum's beat is beautiful to me, and I cherish the mournful funeral march for a fallen officer.

_The poet aligns his creative spirit with the harsh realities of war, not civilian peace._

> What to such as you anyhow such a poet as I? therefore leave my works, And go lull yourself with what you can understand, and with piano-tunes, For I lull nobody, and you will never understand me.

What use am I to someone like you? So abandon my writings, and comfort yourself with what you can grasp, like piano music, because I do not soothe anyone, and you will never comprehend me.

_The poet dismisses the civilian, asserting his work is not meant for those who seek easy understanding._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters/to-a-certain-civilian
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leaves_of_grass_se/chapters