“Every object has its lesson, enclosing the suggestion of everything else.”

Finding the larger world reflected in ordinary natural things · Specimen Days, Mulleins and Mulleins

• Nature
• Truth

“Nothing can jar him—suffering and darkness cannot—death and fear cannot.”

Imagining a poetic spirit undeterred by suffering or mortality · Preface to Leaves of Grass, 1855

• Death
• Hope

“I thought the morning and evening warble of birds delightful; but I find I can listen to these strange insects with just as much pleasure.”

Expanding musical attention from celebrated birdsong to humble insect sound · Specimen Days, Locusts and Katy-Dids

• Joy
• Music
• Nature