**The poem O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman**
This article presents an overview of Walt Whitman’s poem *O Captain! My Captain!*.
The poem *O Captain! My Captain!* was written by Walt Whitman in 1865 and was part of his collection of poems *Leaves of Grass*. It was first published in the second edition of that collection in 1865. The poem deals with grief and mourning.
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### The Poem *O Captain! My Captain!*
The poem *O Captain! My Captain!* by Walt Whitman
“`text
O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done.
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won.
The port is near, the bells are sounding, the people all exult.
“`
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**Interpretation**
The poem expresses a profound sense of loss and admiration for a fallen leader, using nautical imagery to convey the journey and the grief associated with the end of a great endeavor. Whitman’s use of the refrain *O Captain! My Captain!* underscores the emotional weight of the narrative.
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**Cultural Impact**
The poem became an iconic tribute to Abraham Lincoln, evoking the collective mourning and reverence of the American public during a tumultuous period. Its lasting legacy is evident in its continued presence in academic studies, cultural references, and public commemorations.