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Mr Whitman1—
Although a stranger to you I wish to say through the medium of my pen that I have
become interested in your welfare through your writings which for years I have
clipped from papers. I also have a woodcut of your face. And as I have recently
learned by the Press, of your ill health, I would with your permission offer you
tenderest sympathy.
Mrs C. S. Haley
Dalton Mass.
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Human–Life
Human life is an enigma;
Who himself can understand?
Everything that has existed;
Came by some mysterious hand.2
Here we are on life's great ocean;
Tossed about by winds and waves;
Soon like millions gone before us.
We shall sleep within our graves
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Like rare pearls in deepest caverns,
In the heart, deep hidden, lies
Sad regrets and thoughts to sacred
To be seen by mortal eyes
Thus we live; misjudged and censured;
While the bursting heart and brain
Strive to bear with cheerful faces,
All this bitter woe and pain.
Will there be a grand unfoldment;
Will these mysteries be made plain?
When man dies, who can tell us;
Will he he rise to life again?
[Chloe.]
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see notes Jan 14, 1889
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Correspondent:
As yet we have no information about
this correspondent.
Notes
- 1. This letter is addressed:
Walt. Whitman | Poet | Camden, N.J. It is postmarked Dalton | Sep 21 1888 |
Mass; NY | 9-21-88 | 8PM; Camden, N.J. | Sep | 22 | 6AM | 88 ] Rec'd. On the
left side of the front of the envelope, Haley has written: "If not called for in
10 days return to Mrs C.S. Haley—Dalton Mass." [back]
- 2. The word "OVER" is written
in the bottom right corner of this page. [back]