Artists & Writers · 19th Century
Walt Whitman’s Last Words
“Hold me up; I want to shit.”— Walt Whitman, March 26, 1892
Who Was Walt Whitman?
Walt Whitman is considered the father of American free verse poetry. His collection Leaves of Grass, which he revised throughout his life, celebrated democracy, nature, and the human body.
The Final Moments
Whitman died in Camden, New Jersey after years of declining health. True to his earthy celebration of the human body in his poetry, his final reported words were characteristically physical and unashamed.
Are These Words Verified?
While this quote appears in some biographies and fits Whitman's earthy character, it lacks strong firsthand documentation. Horace Traubel, his close companion, did not record these specific final words, making the attribution questionable.
Sources
- biography Horace Traubel, 'With Walt Whitman in Camden'
- other Various attendant accounts (disputed)
- biography David Reynolds biography
Legacy
Whitman's expansive free verse and celebration of American democracy made him the most influential American poet of the 19th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Walt Whitman’s last words?
“Hold me up; I want to shit.”
How did Walt Whitman die?
Walt Whitman died on March 26, 1892 at the age of 72. Cause of death: Pneumonia and pleurisy.
Were Walt Whitman’s last words documented?
While this quote appears in some biographies and fits Whitman's earthy character, it lacks strong firsthand documentation. Horace Traubel, his close companion, did not record these specific final words, making the attribution questionable.
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