America's poet was an optimist at a time when it was easier to be a pessimist. He lived through the Civil War, one of the darkest periods in American history, and drew strength from the struggle. He saw the potential for greatness that lies in each of us, to flourish in our personal search and build our brave vision of this country. Please accept his words as a small ray of hope.

This is widely believed to be an original wax recording of Walt Whitman's his 1888 poem "America." Download MP3