|
Leaves of Grass (1871-72)
contents
| previous
| next
ON JOURNEYS THROUGH THE STATES.
1 ON journeys through the States we start, |
(Ay through the world—urged by these songs, |
Sailing henceforth to every land—to every sea;) |
We, willing learners of all, teachers of all, and lovers
of all.
|
2 We have watch'd the seasons dispensing themselves,
and passing on,
|
We have said, Why should not a man or woman do as
much as the seasons, and effuse as much?
|
3 We dwell a while in every city and town, |
We pass through Kanada, the north-east, the vast valley
of the Mississippi, and the Southern States;
|
We confer on equal terms with each of The States, |
We make trial of ourselves, and invite men and women
to hear;
|
We say to ourselves, Remember, fear not, be candid,
promulge the body and the Soul;
|
Dwell a while and pass on—Se copious, temperate,
chaste, magnetic,
|
And what you effuse may then return as the seasons
return,
|
And may be just as much as the seasons. |
contents
| previous
| next
|
| |