While Pound was critical of Whitman's "excesses" and lack of form, he recognized the impact of Whitman's free verse and his celebration of American vernacular language. Pound even wrote an essay titled "A Quinzaine for This Yule" in which he acknowledged Whitman's influence, stating:
"I would take it as a high compliment to be classed as a follower of Whitman. His verse, more than any other, has done things for the speech of our times."
Despite his critical reservations, Pound recognized Whitman's groundbreaking contribution to American poetry, and his influence is undeniable in Pound's own work.