Leaves of Grass (1871-72)


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NATIVE MOMENTS.

NATIVE moments! when you come upon me—Ah you
         are here now!
Give me now libidinous joys only!
Give me the drench of my passions! Give me life
         coarse and rank!
To-day, I go consort with nature's darlings—to-night
         too;
I am for those who believe in loose delights—I share
         the midnight orgies of young men;
I dance with the dancers, and drink with the drinkers;
The echoes ring with our indecent calls;
I take for my love some prostitute—I pick out some low
         person for my dearest friend,
He shall be lawless, rude, illiterate—he shall be one
         condemn'd by others for deeds done;
I will play a part no longer—Why should I exile myself
         from my companions?
O you shunn'd persons! I at least do not shun you,
I come forthwith in your midst—I will be your poet,
I will be more to you than to any of the rest.
 
 
 
 
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