Leaves of Grass, by Walt Whitman

Leaves of Grass (1867)

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TO A PUPIL.

¹ Is reform needed? Is it through you?

The greater the reform needed, the greater PER-
SONALITY you need to accomplish it.

² You! do you not see how it would serve to have
eyes, blood, complexion, clean and sweet?

Do you not see how it would serve to have such a Body
         and Soul, that when you enter the crowd, an
         atmosphere of desire and command enters with
         you, and every one is impress'd with your per-
         sonality?

³ O the magnet! the flesh over and over!

Go, dear friend! if need be, give up all else, and com-
mence to-day to inure yourself to pluck, reality,
self-esteem, definiteness, elevatedness;

Rest not, till you rivet and publish yourself of your
own personality.

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