Leaves of Grass (1871-72)


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Roots and Leaves Themselves Alone.

ROOTS and leaves themselves alone are these;
Scents brought to men and women from the wild woods,
         and from the pond-side,
Breast-sorrel and pinks of love—fingers that wind
         around tighter than vines,
Gushes from the throats of birds, hid in the foliage of
         trees, as the sum is risen;
 


View Page 133
View Page 133

Breezes of land and love—breezes set from living
         shores out to you on the living sea—to you, O
         sailors!
Frost-mellow'd berries, and Third-month twigs, offer'd
         fresh to young persons wandering out in the
         fields when the winter breaks up,
Love-buds, put before you and within you, whoever you
         are,
Buds to be unfolded on the old terms;
If you bring the warmth of the sun to them, they will
         open, and bring form, color, perfume, to you;
If you become the aliment and the wet, they will become
         flowers, fruits, tall branches, and trees.
 
 
 
 
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