Leaves of Grass (1867)


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AS NEARING DEPARTURE.


1  AS nearing departure,
As the time draws nigh, glooming, a cloud,
A dread beyond, of I know not what, darkens me.

2  I shall go forth,
I shall traverse The States—but I cannot tell whither
         or how long;
Perhaps soon, some day or night while I am singing,
         my voice will suddenly cease.

3  O book and chant! must all then amount to but
         this?
Must we barely arrive at this beginning of me?…
         And yet it is enough, O soul!
O soul! we have positively appear'd—that is enough.
 
 
 
 
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