This commercial has caught my attention over the last few weeks and I finally got a chance to answer my curiosity as to who the author was behind the poem and the purpose of the ‘Go Forth’ campaign. Viewing the commercial I felt it touched on how America is going through a challenging time, but the youthful rebellious free-minded spirit of self-reliance will persevere. The poem is by Walt Whitman (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) an American poet, essayist, journalist, and humanist. He was a part of the transition between Transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman was a volunteer nurse during the Civil War in addition to publishing his poetry. Early in his career, he also produced a temperance novel, Franklin Evans (1842). Whitman’s major work, Leaves of Grass, was first published in 1855 with his own money. The work was an attempt at reaching out to the common person with an American epic.

Whitman was heavily concerned with politics throughout his life. He supported the Wilmot Proviso and opposed the extension of slavery. His poetry presented an egalitarian view of the races, and at one point he called for the abolition of slavery, but later he saw the abolitionist movement as a threat to democracy back then.

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 personal search and build our brave vision of this country. – Levi’s

Visit Levi’s website for more information on their Go Forth Campaign.