Leaves

per.00075.001per.00075.001_cropped [For the Saturday Press]

Leaves.

By WALT WHITMAN.

1.

The music always round me, unceasing, unbeginning— 
  yet long untaught I did not hear, But now the chorus I hear, and am elated, A tenor, strong, ascending, with power and health, 
  with glad notes of day-break I hear, A soprano, at intervals, sailing buoyantly over the tops 
  of immense waves, A transparent base, shuddering lusciously under and 
  through the universe, The triumphant tutti—the funeral wailings, with sweet 
  flutes and violins—All these I fill myself with; I hear not the volumes of sound merely—I am moved 
  by the exquisite meanings, I listen to the different voices winding in and out, 
  striving, contending with fiery vehemence to excel 
  each other in emotion, I do not think the performers know themselves—But 
  now I think I begin to know them.¹

2.

A Leaf for hand in hand! You natural persons old and young! You on the 
  Eastern Sea, and you on the Western! You on the Mississippi, and on all the branches and 
  bayous of the Mississippi! You friendly boatmen and mechanics! You roughs! You twain! And all processions moving along the 
  streets! I wish to infuse myself among you till I see it common 
  for you to walk hand in hand.²

3.

Early in the morning, Walking forth from the bower, refreshed with sleep, Behold me where I pass—hear my voice—approach, Touch me—touch the palm of your hand to my body 
  as I pass, Be not afraid of my body.³

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Notes

1. This poem appeared as "Calamus No. 21" in Leaves of Grass (1860). It was reprinted as "That Music Always Round Me," Leaves of Grass (1867) and in "Whispers of Heavenly Death," Leaves of Grass (1871-72). [back]

2. This poem appeared as "Calamus No. 37" in Leaves of Grass (1860). It was reprinted as as "A Leaf for Hand in Hand," Leaves of Grass (1867). [back]

3. This poem appeared as "Enfans d'Adam No. 15" in Leaves of Grass (1860). It was reprinted as "As Adam Early in the Morning," Leaves of Grass (1867). [back]