Here's why:
* No Fixed Meter or Rhyme Scheme: Whitman's poem doesn't follow any traditional meter or rhyme scheme. The lines are of varying lengths, and the words flow freely.
* Emphasis on Natural Speech: The language of the poem is conversational and reflects the rhythm of everyday speech.
* Focus on Imagery and Symbolism: The poem uses vivid imagery and symbolism to evoke a sense of vastness and the power of nature.
This is typical of Whitman's poetry, where he rejects formal constraints in favor of capturing the essence of the human experience and the beauty of the natural world.