Instead, Whitman used cadence, rhythm, and repetition to create his own unique and powerful poetic voice. His poetry often incorporates elements of everyday speech, and he was known for his use of long lines and anaphora (repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses).
While there might be moments of rhythm or rhyme in his work, it's not structured in a traditional metrical pattern. This freedom allowed Whitman to express his ideas and emotions in a direct and unfiltered way.