Edward Norton Delivers a Powerful Performance of Walt Whitman’s ‘Crossing Brooklyn Ferry’
Four-time Academy Award nominee Edward Norton recently brought a moment of profound beauty to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. During a captivating 22-minute conversation, Norton and Colbert revealed a shared appreciation for the 19th-century poet Walt Whitman, specifically his iconic poem, “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” originally published in 1856 as “Sun-Down Poem.”
Colbert playfully requested Norton to share the poem with the audience, and Norton, prepared and thoughtful, presented a carefully curated “distillation” of the lengthy work, interwoven with elements from Whitman’s “Song of Myself.” The resulting four-minute reading was a truly moving experience, reminiscent of Sir Ian McKellen’s memorable Shakespearean performance earlier this year.
A Personalized Touch for Stephen Colbert
Norton didn’t simply recite the poem; he personalized it, adding a touching line specifically for Colbert: “And you that shall cross—you, Stephen Colbert from New Jersey—you that shall cross from shore to shore years hence are more to me, and more in my meditations, than you might suppose.” This gesture highlighted the personal connection between the two artists and added a layer of intimacy to the performance.
The Timeless Themes of Connection and Continuity
“Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” is a poignant reflection on a journey across the East River, from Manhattan to Brooklyn. It delves into the universal themes of human connection and the enduring nature of shared experiences across generations. As Norton explained, Whitman possessed a remarkable ability to speak across time, reminding us that “everybody and every time has gone through these moments, these anxieties.”
The poem’s message of interconnectedness felt particularly resonant as The Late Show approaches the end of Stephen Colbert’s run. It suggests that neither time nor distance can truly sever the bonds between people. As Norton eloquently put it, Whitman “wanted to convey in some sense that we are still in this all together.” You can watch the full reading here.
A Season of Tributes to Stephen Colbert
Norton’s reading is just one of many heartfelt tributes to Colbert during the show’s final months. Jimmy Fallon recently serenaded Colbert with a customized rendition of “My Way,” filled with inside jokes and references to Colbert’s career. John Lithgow also delivered a moving poem, “The Mighty Colbert,” celebrating the host’s legacy.
As The Late Show prepares to conclude on May 21st, these tributes serve as a testament to Colbert’s impact on late-night television and the deep connections he’s forged with his guests and audience.
Related: Learn more about Walt Whitman and his work at the Poetry Foundation.
