1. New York Public Library

This is a library with a long history. I can feel a sense of dignify first moment I walk in. Whitman wrote in his poem that ” I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.” Books in there are what people left behind. We can understand who they are and what are their thoughts through their books. Words written in a book are much less than what author experienced. Besides, not everyone are qualified to publish a book. So books are not only the prove of the existence of  people but also what we can truly learn from. That’s why I like this library, a place to discover and learn.

2. Dutch Kills Playground

This is a playground I walk by everyday. I can always hear children’s laugh there. Parents watch their kids with a genuine smile.  In Song of Myself, Whitman wrote ” Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same. I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin, Hoping to cease not till death.”  These children live here through several generations. The kids are living in their golden age, happy, sprightly and colorful. What’s more, they have a good health. This is truly important to everyone but we can hardly notice when we are young. Look at the happy faces in the playground, I know they are very lucky and blessed. Just like Whitman said, hoping to cease not till death.

3. Astoria Park

In Song of Myself, Whitman wrote ” I loafe and invite soul, I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.” I can express a same feeling when I walk in Astoria Park, especially the time of sunset. The bridge above the river together with the golden clouds consist a beautiful scenery. We all know the great work of nature, but we never try to really admire and love it. Since nature is a part of our life, we start to ignore the beauty of flowers, grass and a piece of leaf. Sometimes we can just stop and learn to appreciate what nature gives us.

Zhao Wang