by Elizabeth Reeves

Created on: July 20, 2008   Last Updated: July 21, 2008

America has always been created by its workers, by the little man, living the American dream. One portrayal, written in simplicity, is Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing". In simple, uncomplicated words, he records the voices of the people that create the chorus that is America's strength- the carpenter at work, the young mother... each one with their own song, adding their own, strong, voices to the whole that is America.

The poem is written in simple language and is about simple people. It does not pause to consider greatness, just the strong, constant, chorus of life moving ever onward. Each person, each capacity, has their own unique voice, they are not trying to sing in chorus, they are proclaiming their own great identity in the simple continuous song of their work.

There is a subtlety that suggests that the song is not merely the actions of these simple people that create the chorus that is America, herself, singing, but the actual pleasure in listening to the folk who sing and hum as they labor. In this, each individual is, in truth, adding to a chorus and harmony of life and creating the ambiance of the country as the individual voice combine to create the whole.

The poem itself is based in simplicity. There are no complicating words or factors. It is short, simple, and strong, just as it describes the simple and strong voices of the workers and individuals that create the voice of America's 'song'.

And behind it all, is the recognition of these individuals, so often ignored, not acknowledged for their great, daily, impact... for Walt Whitman proclaims '*I* hear America sing' and, as he listens, we, too, can begin to hear their song.

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