This is a poem contained in his book, "Leaves of Grass." "The "him" for whom the poet sings is his ideal man of imagination and vision. "I raise the present on the past," Whitman says, comparing this process to the growth of a tree from its roots. He also depicts, he says, the ideal man's movement in space and in time. He is a "law unto himself." Reference Credit Goes to: http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/Leaves-of-Grass-Summary-and-Analysis-Inscriptions-For-Him-I-Sing-.id-60,pageNum-5.html **Cliff Notes have helped many a student get through term papers, test, and other analysis of literature. Thumbs up for Cliff Notes...most USA students find using the study guide near essential.