City of Ships

by Walt Whitman — a poem card from Justes Mots

Whitman offers an exuberant ode to New York City, emphasizing its democratic diversity, maritime commerce, architectural grandeur, and defiant spirit. The poem celebrates urban vitality and concludes by embracing martial purpose, reflecting pre-Civil War American expansionism and pride. It serves those celebrating civic spirit or seeking inspirational words about bold, forward-moving courage.

City of ships!
(O the black ships! O the fierce ships!
O the beautiful sharp-bow’d steam-ships and sail-ships!)
City of the world! (for all races are here,
All the lands of the earth make contributions here;)
City of the sea! city of hurried and glittering tides!
City whose gleeful tides continually rush or recede, whirling in and
out with eddies and foam!…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement