Free verse poetry is characterized by:
* Lack of regular rhyme scheme or meter: The poem doesn't follow a set pattern of rhyming words or a consistent rhythm.
* Flexible line lengths: Lines can be short or long, depending on the poet's intention.
* Emphasis on natural speech: The language and sentence structure often mimic the flow of everyday conversation.
* Focus on imagery and emotion: The poem relies heavily on vivid descriptions and emotional impact to convey its meaning.
Whitman's poem embodies these characteristics, making it a prime example of free verse poetry.