While the quote itself is somewhat unclear in its meaning, it suggests that Whitman saw Poe's poetry as being excessively dark, morbid, and perhaps lacking in the kind of optimistic spirit that characterized his own work.
It's important to note that:
* This quote is not a well-documented quote from Whitman. It may be an inaccurate recollection or even a misattribution.
* Even if it is a genuine quote, it reflects only one opinion of Poe's work and is not a universally held view.
It is crucial to consider the context and intended meaning of any quote, especially when it comes to potentially controversial statements about literary figures.