Leaves of grass. | ||
12
38 As I have walk'd in
Alabama my morning walk,
I have seen where the she-bird, the mocking-bird on her nest in the briers, hatching her brood.
39 I have seen the he-bird also;
I have paused to hear him, near at hand, inflating his throat, and joyfully singing.
40 And while I paused, it came to me that what he really sang for was not there only,
Nor for his mate nor himself only, nor all sent back by the echoes;
But subtle, clandestine, away beyond,
A charge transmitted, and gift occult, for those being born.
I have seen where the she-bird, the mocking-bird on her nest in the briers, hatching her brood.
39 I have seen the he-bird also;
I have paused to hear him, near at hand, inflating his throat, and joyfully singing.
40 And while I paused, it came to me that what he really sang for was not there only,
Nor for his mate nor himself only, nor all sent back by the echoes;
But subtle, clandestine, away beyond,
A charge transmitted, and gift occult, for those being born.
Leaves of grass. | ||