Influence

 

Stevens was influenced by Whitman
Or so Bloom says though Stevens
Never read Whitman or so he said.
With this being insisted, most of
Which I don’t recall how can
I be sure?  I was told Leopardi
Is like me – a gentle way

Of saying I am like him,
But I don’t read Italian and
Don’t recall reading a translation;
So I bought the text by Galassi.
I don’t see myself in Whitman
Stevens or Leopardi.  In one sense
I am more warlike but in another

They assert themselves
More than I ever would, not
Caring that much for the world
Nor what it thinks, mistrusting
Whatever is current or
Believed, even my denial
That I have been infected.