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Leaves of Grass (1867)
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TURN O LIBERTAD.
TURN, O Libertad, no more doubting; |
Turn from lands retrospective, recording proofs of the
past;
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From the singers that sing the trailing glories of the
past;
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From the chants of the feudal world—the triumphs of
kings, slavery, caste;
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Turn to the world, the triumphs reserv'd and to come—
give up that backward world;
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Leave to the singers of hitherto—give them the trailing
past:
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But what remains, remains for singers for you—wars
to come are for you;
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(Lo! how the wars of the past have duly inured to you
—and the wars of the present shall also inure:)
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—Then turn, and be not alarm'd, O Libertad—turn
your undying face,
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To where the future, greater than all the past, |
Is swiftly, surely preparing for you. |
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