Leaves of Grass (1871-72)


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NOT THE PILOT.

NOT the pilot has charged himself to bring his ship
         into port, though beaten back, and many times
         baffled;
Not the path-finder, penetrating inland, weary and
         long,
By deserts parch'd, snows-chill'd, rivers wet, perseveres
         till he reaches his destination,
More than I have charged myself, heeded or unheeded,
         to compose a free march for These States,
To be exhilarating music to them—a battle-call, rousing
         to arms, if need be—years, centuries hence.
 
 
 
 
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