Leaves of Grass (1871-72)


contents   |  previous   |  next
 



 

POETS TO COME.


1  POETS to come! orators, singers, musicians to come!
Not to-day is to justify me, and answer what I am
         for;
But you, a new brood, native, athletic, continental,
         greater than before known,
Arouse! Arouse—for you must justify me—you must
         answer.

2  I myself but write one or two indicative words for the
         future,
I but advance a moment, only to wheel and hurry back
         in the darkness.

3  I am a man who, sauntering along, without fully stop-
         ping, turns a casual look upon you, and then
         averts his face,
Leaving it to you to prove and define it,
Expecting the main things from you.
 
 
 
 
contents   |  previous   |  next