Here's why:
* Focus on broader love: The poem emphasizes a deep, all-encompassing love for humanity and the natural world. It's a love that extends beyond romantic relationships.
* Self-discovery and acceptance: The poem's primary theme is the individual's journey to self-understanding and acceptance. This journey includes embracing all aspects of the self, including sexuality, but doesn't focus on romantic love.
* Democratic spirit: Whitman champions equality and inclusivity. His vision of love is one that transcends individual relationships and embraces all people.
However, some argue that the poem's themes of passion, sensuality, and unity could be interpreted as having romantic undertones. The poem's celebration of the body and its pleasures, as well as its emphasis on connection and intimacy, could be seen as reflecting the complexities of human relationships, including romantic ones.
Ultimately, "Song of Myself" is open to interpretation and its themes resonate with different readers in various ways. Whether you see romantic love as a central theme or a subtext, it's undeniable that the poem's exploration of connection, self-expression, and the beauty of the human experience touches upon the complexities of love in all its forms.