Leaves of Grass, by Walt Whitman

contents | previous | next

BEGINNING my studies, the first step pleas'd me so much,

The mere fact, consciousness—these forms—the pow-
er of motion,

The least insect or animal—the senses—eyesight;

The first step, I say, aw'd me and pleas'd me so much,

I have never gone, and never wish'd to go, any farther,

But stop and loiter all my life, to sing it in extatic songs.

contents | previous | next