Walt Whitman & Marge Piercy

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Marge Piercy is the author of the poem To Be of Use, while the creator of I Hear America Singing, is Walt Whitman. Walt and Marge do not seem to share that many characteristics, in fact they are two very different people. However, one thing that they do share is their occupation, as poets. Both Piercy and Whitman have authored famous short poems, that entertain thousands of readers. Their styles are different, yet they aim for the same things, they are both skilled and versatile writers. Whitman’s poem is quite patriotic and inspirational. This specific poem begins as Whitman hears his country singing, in “varied carols” or multiple voices, in a proud tone. A carpenter, mechanics, boatman, mason, shoemaker, and wood cutter each are in their work place as they express the joy the experience while living in a free country. Walt writes of all people working in fields of their choices, working during the day time and enjoying one another’s company in the dark hours. It makes readers think about what they take for granted and what things they should appreciate. Readers feel that their country provides for them after reading this poem. Similarly, Marge’s poem is about hard working people. She claims to love people that “harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart.” This means that she cares to associate with people who word hard. She expresses later in the poem that hard working people are as easy to find as mud. Because she loves hard workers, and she claims that they are easy to find, this means she loves most people. Both of these poems perfectly express social change and are easy for readers of all levels to read and

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