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SKIRTING the river road, (my forenoon walk, my rest,)…

“SKIRTING the river road, (my forenoon walk, my rest,) Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound, the dalliance of the eagles, The rushing amorous contact high in space together, The clinching interlocking claws, a living, fierce, gyrating wheel, Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight…” quote by Walt Whitman
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““SKIRTING the river road, (my forenoon walk, my rest,) Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound, the dalliance of the eagles, The rushing amorous contact high in space together, The clinching interlocking claws, a living, fierce, gyrating wheel, Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling, 5 In tumbling turning clustering loops, straight downward falling, Till o’er the river pois’d, the twain yet one, a moment’s lull, A motionless still balance in the air, then parting, talons loosing, Upward again on slow-firm pinions slanting, their separate diverse flight, She hers, he his, pursuing.””

Walt Whitman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem celebrates the fierce, intertwined dance of eagles in flight, symbolizing unity, struggle, and the beauty of dynamic balance.

In simple terms: Eagles' flight shows unity and struggle together.

Key Takeaway

Embrace dynamic balance in conflict.

Themes

nature unity conflict balance flight strength

Mood

awe inspired

Type

nature philosophical

When to use this quote

  • birdwatching
  • team sports
  • creative collaboration
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

symbolism ecology mythology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find balance in opposing forces?
  • What does the eagle symbolize for you?
A Different Perspective

May idealize conflict, ignoring its costs.

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