Leaves of Grass (1871-72)


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FACING WEST FROM CALIFORNIA'S SHORES.

FACING west, from California's shores,
Inquiring, tireless, seeking what is yet unfound,
I, a child, very old, over waves, towards the house of
         maternity, the land of migrations, look afar,
Look off the shores of my Western Sea—the circle
         almost circled;
For, starting westward from Hindustan, from the vales
         of Kashmere,
From. Asia—from the north—from the God, the sage,
         and the hero,
From the south—from the flowery peninsulas, and the
         spice islands;
Long having wander'd since—round the earth having
         wander'd,
Now I face home again—very pleas'd and joyous;
(But where is what I started for, so long ago?
And why is it yet unfound?)
 
 
 
 
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