The keelson or kelson is a reinforcing structural member on top of the keel in the hull of a wooden vessel. In part V of “ Song of Myself”, American poet

Walt Whitman Walter Whitman (; May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) was an American poet, essayist and journalist. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among ...

uses the phrase: “And that a kelson of the creation is love;” to imply that love is akin to a keelson, or backbone, that supports humanity.

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{{Sailing ship elements Nautical terminology Shipbuilding