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Leaves of Grass (1871-72)
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Voices.
1 Now I make a leaf of Voices—for I have found nothing
mightier than they are,
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And I have found that no word spoken, but is beautiful,
in its place.
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2 O what is it in me that makes me tremble so at voices? |
Surely, whoever speaks to me in the right voice, him or
her I shall follow,
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As the water follows the moon, silently, with fluid steps,
anywhere around the globe.
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3 All waits for the right voices; |
Where is the practis'd and perfect organ? Where is
the develop'd Soul?
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For I see every word utter'd thence, has deeper, sweeter,
new sounds, impossible on less terms.
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4 I see brains and lips closed—tympans and temples
unstruck,
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Until that comes which has the quality to strike and to
unclose,
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Until that comes which has the quality to bring forth
what lies slumbering, forever ready, in all words.
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