Animals

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The poet is Walt Whitman, a major figure in early American poetry. He lived from 1819 to 1892.

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Whitman wrote free verse, which means poetry without a fixed rhyme scheme or regular meter. His style broke away from traditional rhymed and metrical poetry.

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He feels more at home with animals than with humans. He finds animals calm, simple, and free from many of the troubles that bother people.

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The poet says animals are peaceful and self-sufficient. 'Placid' means not easily upset, and 'self-contain'd' means self-sufficient. He admires their calm way of life.

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'Placid' means calm or not easily upset. It describes the peaceful nature the poet sees in animals.

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'Self-contain'd' means self-sufficient. It suggests that animals do not depend on unnecessary outside approval or possessions to be content.

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He watches them carefully because he admires their simplicity and calmness. His long observation shows respect and deep thought.

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Animals do not complain about their condition, do not lie awake with guilt, and do not discuss duty to God. The poet sees humans as more complicated, while animals seem natural and free.