Walt Whitman and the Universe

Walt Whitman spent many long lonesome hours walking the shores of Long Island, contemplating universal truths.
Before my current incarnation as suburban wife and mother, I was a solitary wanderer; walking alone through God's own masterpiece, the Colorado Plateau.

Along with the usual survival stuff, I carried a few other essentials in my backpack: Journal, peace pipe, and Walt Whitman.
One autum day, staring into the waves off Paumanok, he thought:

"Aware now that amid all that blab. . . I have not once had the least idea who or what I am/
I perceive I have not really understood any thing, not a single object, and that no man ever can."

I can really relate with W.W. today. Contemplating all of creation can make the poet/philosopher feel very small and powerless. Then just as you get some perspective back, start thinking that maybe you arn't so helpless, a big wave comes ashore and knocks you senseless.