Walt Whitman is one of America’s greatest poets. Although he was homosexual at a time when it was difficult, even dangerous to be so, his verse is nevertheless known for its boundless optimism and inclusiveness. The text of “Each of Us” is an excerpt from his large work Salut au Monde! (Hello World!). It speaks to our shared humanity and rights, the responsibility we have to the earth and its blessings, and our limitless human possibility. The piece starts with the energy of individual and diverse voices, each perfect and worthy to be celebrated. As they multiply and come together, the gathering, relentless, rhythmic intensity makes clear the power of the collective voice that is the very heart of choral music.