The Voice of the Rain

By Walt Whitman
About the poet:

Walter Whitman​ (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) was an American poet, essayist, and
journalist. A ​humanist​, he was a part of the transition between ​transcendentalism​ ​and ​realism​,
incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the
American canon, often called the father of ​free verse​.

Synopsis:
Introduction:

‘The Voice of the Rain’ is a nature poem which celebrates the advent of rain. The poem is a
dialogue between the poet and the rain. Fascinated by the spontaneous and refreshing effect
of rain, the poet asks it for an introduction. To his amazement, the rain introduces itself as the
‘poem of Earth’ and explains its life -cycle. The rain has been ​personified​ throughout the
poem.
Water Cycle and the function of rain:

Unobserved by anybody, the water vapours ​evaporate​ from the womb of the earth and the
bottomless sea to ​condense​ into moisture-laden clouds in the sky. Thereafter the rain comes
back to the surface of the earth through ​precipitation​. It quenches the thirst of the earth , puts
an end to droughts and settles the dust all over to rejuvenate and refresh nature.

It also germinates the latent seeds. By healing and soothing the earth, it prepares the ground
for another cycle for itself. This endless cyclical process keeps on enhancing its beauty and
purity over and over again.
Comparison between rain and music:

Towards the end of the poem a parallel is drawn between rain and music. Just as rain
originates from the womb of the earth, music is also created from the heart of the singer. Both
have rhythm and the power to soothe , heal, rejuvenate and transform. Music echoes in the
heart of the singer and brings him a sense of joy and satisfaction , irrespective of the presence
of a listener.

Specimen questions and answers:

1 There are two voices in the poem. Who do they belong to? Which lines indicate this?

Ans: The two voices in the poem are those of the narrator/ poet and the rain. The first two
lines indicate the two speakers. The poet questions the gentle rain “And who art thou?” and
much to his surprise it gives him an answer which he translates.

2 What does the phrase “strange to tell” signify?

Ans: The phrase “strange to tell” could suggest

(a) that the poet is surprised to receive an answer from the rain
 (b) that the poet is surprised at the answer. It is something that he had not really given a
thought to.

3 Why is the rain called “the poem of the earth”?

This is a powerful metaphor used by the poet. Poetry is the ’spontaneous overflow of
powerful feelings’ and is creativity at its best. Just as poetry emanates from the soul of the
poet, rain originates from the womb of the earth. That is why it is the ‘poem of Earth’.

Like poetry, rain has its own rhythm and melody and has the power to rejuvenate and
transform.

Both are universal in appeal and leave an indelible impact on us.

4 How is the cyclic movement of rain brought out in the poem? Compare it with what
you have studied in science.

Ans: In the poem the rain chalks out its movement (path) from the sea or earth to the skies
and then back again. In the process it changes its form. The water cycle follows the same
course- evaporation, condensation and precipitation.

5 Why are the last two lines put within brackets?

Ans: The last two lines are put within brackets because they are not a part of the dialogue
between the narrator and the rain. In these two lines the poet simply brings out the similarity
between the rain and a song.

6 Enlist the pairs of opposites found in the poem.

Ans: rise-descend
changed-same
land-sea
reck’d- unreck’d
vaguely- formed
lave- drought
wandering-returns
latent/unborn-life
day-night

Questions for practice:

1 Where does the rain rise from?
2 Why is it impalpable?
3 What impact does the rain have on earth?
4 What is the effect on seeds?
5 What is the significance of the last two lines of the poem?