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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,
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Breast-sorrel and pinks of love—fingers that wind
around tighter than vines,
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Gushes from the throats of birds, hid in the foliage of
trees, as the sum is risen;
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View Page 133
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Breezes of land and love—breezes set from living
shores out to you on the living sea—to you, O
sailors!
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Frost-mellow'd berries, and Third-month twigs, offer'd
fresh to young persons wandering out in the
fields when the winter breaks up,
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Love-buds, put before you and within you, whoever you
are,
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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;
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If you become the aliment and the wet, they will become
flowers, fruits, tall branches, and trees.
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