"The proof of a poet is that his country absorbs him as affectionately as he has absorbed it"

This quote by Walt Whitman speaks with the idea that a poet's success is measured by how much their country loves them in return for the love they have provided it. A poet's work is often a reflection of their country, its individuals, and its culture. When a poet has the ability to catch the essence of their nation in their work, it is an indication that they have achieved success in their craft. The quote suggests that when a poet is able to create work that resonates with their country, it is a sign that they have been successful in their craft. It is a testimony to the poet's ability to capture the spirit of their country and to create something that is significant to its people. The quote also talks to the idea that a poet's success is not only measured by the quality of their work, however also by how much their country enjoys them in return.