Live Oak, with Moss

Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist, born in 1819 in West Hills, New York. He is best known for his groundbreaking poetry collection "Leaves of Grass," which was first published in 1855 and went through multiple editions during his lifetime. Whitman's poetic style was characterized by free verse, expansive imagery, and a celebration of the individual and the natural world. He is often considered one of the most influential poets in American literature, with his work challenging traditional poetic forms and exploring themes of democracy, individualism, and the human experience. Whitman's impact on the genre of poetry is still felt today, with his work inspiring generations of poets and writers.