Edward Norton captivated the audience of The Late Show with a moving poetry performance on Wednesday night. During the 22-minute segment with Stephen Colbert, the two explored their mutual admiration for the 19th-century poet Walt Whitman.
Edward Norton Reads Whitman’s Poetry
Norton focused on Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” a poem initially published in 1856. Colbert encouraged Norton to share a distillation of this lengthy work, blending it with elements from Whitman’s “Song of Myself.”
In a powerful four-minute reading, Norton personalized one line 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.”
Thematic Depth of “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry”
“Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” delves into themes of human connection and continuity. The poem reflects Whitman’s belief that shared experiences transcend time and space, uniting people across generations.
Norton emphasized the timeless nature of Whitman’s message. He remarked, “You realize artists are capable of speaking through time in some sense, reminding us that everybody has gone through moments of anxiety.” He noted that Whitman aimed to convey a sense of togetherness, stating, “He was speaking to you and me right now.”
Tributes to Stephen Colbert
Performances like Norton’s are part of a series of tributes to Colbert as The Late Show approaches its conclusion. Fellow host Jimmy Fallon sang “My Way” on the March 6 episode, adapting the lyrics to include references to Colbert’s career and inside jokes. The following night, actor John Lithgow presented a poem titled “The Mighty Colbert,” serving as a tribute to the beloved host.
- Edward Norton performed on The Late Show on a Wednesday night.
- The poem read was Walt Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” published in 1856.
- Colbert’s final episode is scheduled for May 21.
- Other tributes include Jimmy Fallon’s musical homage and John Lithgow’s poem.
Watch Norton’s heartfelt reading to experience the fusion of poetry and personal connection that resonates even today.
