Leaves of Grass (1871-72)


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To a Common Prostitute.


1  BE composed—be at ease with me—I am Walt Whit-
         man, liberal and lusty as Nature;
Not till the sun excludes you, do I exclude you;
Not till the waters refuse to glisten for you, and the
         leaves to rustle for you, do my words refuse to
         glisten and rustle for you.

2  My girl, I appoint with you an appointment—and I
         charge you that you make preparation to be
         worthy to meet me,
And I charge you that you be patient and perfect till I
         come.

3  Till then, I salute you with a significant look, that
         you do not forget me.
 
 
 
 
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