Leaves of Grass (1871-72)


contents   |  previous   |  next
 



 

TURN, O LIBERTAD.

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