I HEAR America singing, the varied carols I hear; Those of mechanics – each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong;

The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam,

The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work;

The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat – the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck;

The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench – the hatter singing as he stands;

The wood-cutter’s song – the ploughboy’s, on his way in the morning, or at the noon intermission, or at sundown;

The delicious singing of the mother – or of the young wife at work – or of the girl sewing or washing – Each singing what belongs to her, and to none else;

The day what belongs to the day – At night, the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,

Singing, with open mouths, their strong melodious songs.

—“I Hear America Singing,”
Walt Whitman

What is the effect of repeating “singing” in the poem? Choose the best answer.

A. It makes it seem like everyone is singing the same exact song.
B. It creates the image of everyone singing together across America.
C. It creates the image of the poet singing his poem.
D. I makes it seem like the boatman is leading the carols.