“Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is a poem written by Walt Whitman, an American poet, essayist, and humanist. It was first published in 1856 as part of his collection titled “Leaves of Grass.” In this poem, Whitman reflects on the passage of time, the interconnectedness of all individuals across generations, and the enduring nature of human experience.

The speaker of the poem is seen on the ferry deck as it crosses the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn at the beginning of the poem. He asks a future reader who isn’t present if they will ever go through the same scene and feelings that he is at that precise moment. Whitman transcends time and space by establishing a direct connection with the reader through the use of the first-person narrative.

The speaker notices the shifting landscape as the ferry travels across the water, including the buildings, the waves, and the birds flying in the sky. The river and its surroundings, which have been observed by countless people before him and will be observed by countless more in the future, astound him with their unchanging nature and continuity of life.

Whitman considers the progression of time and the succession of generations. He thinks about the lives of those who have gone before him, those who will come after him, and those residing in various locations and eras. Despite the enormous differences between people, the speaker senses a deep connection with all of humanity because they understand that they all share similar experiences, aspirations, and dreams.

Whitman emphasises the idea of unity and connection throughout the entire poem. Despite their differences, he thinks that everyone is a part of an eternal chain that runs through all people. He considers himself to be a part of a larger group of people who have lived, are living, and will continue to live and are all interconnected by the common thread of existence.

The poet also muses on the nature of consciousness and perception. He considers whether the reader of the future will exist and whether their experiences will be similar to his on the ferry. He contends that time is circular rather than linear, blending the past, present, and future into one unending now.

The poem concludes with an impactful and upbeat outlook on the future. Whitman envisions the reader of his work standing on the same ferry, taking in the same sights, and experiencing the same sense of kinship with all of humanity. He is convinced that his words will continue to be meaningful to coming generations and will help to close the generational gap.

In conclusion, “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is a profound and reflective poem that explores themes of time, interconnectedness, and the enduring nature of human experience. Whitman’s lyrical and introspective verses create a sense of shared humanity, connecting the poet and the reader across time and space. The poem remains a timeless and poignant celebration of the interconnectedness of all life and the continuity of human experience.