Students participate in annual Walt Whitman 'Leaves of Grass' marathon
Annually, Robert Fanning, English language and literature faculty member, reads Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" aloud for an entire day for Central Michigan University students to join.
Walt Whitman composed "Leaves of Grass" throughout his lifetime. First published in 1855 with 12 poems, the book was revised and published again on multiple occasions until 1892, now containing over 400 pieces.
"He was trying to capture, I think, all of life and the universe in one book," Fanning said.
The annual Walt Whitman "Leaves of Grass" marathon, commonly held outside in CMU's Fabiano Gardens, occurred Oct. 2 and was held via Webex this year due to COVID-19.
Fanning said it is important to read "Leaves of Grass" during this time because of the impact this year's events have had on the lives of us all.
"There's not a lot to feel good about right now in our country in some ways," Fanning said." It's always good to read this book but especially lately... I'm filled with optimism when I read Whitman's poetry."
The idea for the marathon arose while Fanning was discussing Whitman's poetry with a couple of his students. All appreciating Whitman's masterpiece and feeling the need to share it with others, they decided to try designating one day a year for reading the poet's life's work, "Leaves of Grass." Thirteen years later, the event has blossomed into an annual tradition that many people look forward to each fall.
"When we sit and read 'Leaves of Grass,' we're reminded what it is to be human," Fanning said. "It's a day where poetry comes alive...poetry is meant to be read aloud, it's a musical, oral art form. It's not meant to sit in a book."
The annual Walt Whitman "Leaves of Grass" Marathon lasts for most of the day as participants try to read through the entire book. Every year, the reading begins at sunrise, and "Leaves of Grass" is read until no one in attendance can continue any longer. This year, the event began at 7:38 a.m. and lasted until 5:00 p.m.
"It’s long, and we sometimes run out of breath as we stumble over Whitman’s words, but we press on, acutely aware that we are a part of something really special," said Lowell senior Alyssa McIntire
Many people attend the event to experience the joys of reading poetry with others who also appreciate its art. "It was wonderful to join with others and really immerse myself in the poetry," said Richard Rothaus, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. "To be there with so many like spirits and really dive deep, that was special."
Throughout the day, local visitors and people from around the country filtered in and out of the event. President Bob Davies, alumni, students and staff made an appearance.
"I really like Whitman's poetry because of its emphasis on one's body and its connection to the earth and world-at-large," said Mount Pleasant senior Katie Zwick. "Reading it makes me feel more in tune with my body and soul -- it's like hitting a reset button."
As the day went on, listeners took turns reading "Leaves of Grass," creating community among fellow poetry lovers.
"It's a day that we celebrate poetry," Fanning said. "It's a day that celebrates being alive, and it's a day that celebrates what it is to be an American."
