Leaves of Grass (1871-72)


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AS THE TIME DRAWS NIGH.



 

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1  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 awhile—but I cannot tell
         whither or how long;
Perhaps soon, some day or night while I am singing,
         my voice will suddenly cease.


 

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