Calamus 1

Part of the cluster CALAMUS.

1.

IN paths untrodden, In the growth by margins of pond-waters, Escaped from the life that exhibits itself, From all the standards hitherto published—from
the pleasures, profits, conformities, Which too long I was offering to feed to my Soul Clear to me now, standards not yet published—
clear to me that my Soul, That the Soul of the man I speak for, feeds, rejoices
only in comrades; Here, by myself, away from the clank of the world, Tallying and talked to here by tongues aromatic, No longer abashed—for in this secluded spot I can
respond as I would not dare elsewhere, Strong upon me the life that does not exhibit itself,
yet contains all the rest, Resolved to sing no songs to-day but those of manly
attachment, Projecting them along that substantial life, Bequeathing, hence, types of athletic love, 29* [ begin page 342 ]

ppp.01500.350.jpg Afternoon, this delicious Ninth Month, in my forty-
first year, I proceed, for all who are, or have been, young
men, To tell the secret of my nights and days, To celebrate the need of comrades.

Part of the cluster CALAMUS.