In this nostalgic and haunting poem, Walt Whitman pays tribute to the late President Abraham Lincoln. The poem is a lamentation of Lincoln's untimely death, likening him to a captain who has fallen in battle. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Whitman captures the grief and mourning that swept the nation upon Lincoln's assassination.

The repetitive refrain of "O Captain! My Captain!" creates a sense of longing and loss, as the speaker mourns the passing of a beloved leader. Whitman's use of metaphor and symbolism adds depth to the poem, as he portrays Lincoln as a hero who has guided his people through a tumultuous time.

Overall, O Captain! My Captain! is a powerful and poignant elegy that honors the memory of a great man. Whitman's heartfelt tribute to Lincoln resonates with readers, reminding us of the impact that a strong and compassionate leader can have on a nation.

Book Description:
LibriVox volunteers bring you 18 recordings of "O Captain! My Captain!" This was the Weekly Poetry for the week of August 17, 2014."O Captain! My Captain!" is an elegy for Abraham Lincoln written by Walt Whitman, who worked as a clerk and army hospital nurse during the Civil War. The Captain of the poem is Lincoln, and the ship represents the United States, brought safely through the storm of war. In the poem, Whitman juxtaposes the people's joy at the end of the war with his grief at the assassination of the President.