Walt Whitman on the beauty of the American prairie

“As to scenery (giving my own thought and feeling), while I know the standard claim is that Yosemite, Niagara Falls, the Upper Yellowstone and the like afford the greatest natural shows, I am not so sure but the prairies and plains, while less stunning at first sight, last longer, fill the esthetic sense fuller, precede all the rest, and make North America’s characteristic landscape.”
–Walt Whitman, Specimen Days (1879)

Posted by | Comments (1)  | October 16, 2006
Category: Travel Quote of the Day


One Response to “Walt Whitman on the beauty of the American prairie”

  1. John A. Mason Says:

    Having just returned from 10days in April, in Kansas (Wichita mainly), there is an incomparable smell of freshness sometimes in the wind, gentle FEEL of warmth &health, bright and dazzling sunshine, and sound of nature’s blowing wind &spread of the change of season, on the prairie that is something to behold, integrate into one’s total senses and celebrate life and springtime renewal. The prairie in its budding warmth is something special. I agree, Walt Whitman, I think I “got” part of your exposition of life, comparability, and subtle differences instead of slam dunk, GRAND.