Leaves of grass (1872) | ||
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33
Know you! solely to drop in the earth the germs of a greater Religion,The following chants, each for its kind, I sing.
34
My comrade!For you, to share with me, two greatnesses—and a third one, rising inclusive and more resplendent,
The greatness of Love and Democracy—and the greatness of Religion.
35
Melange mine own! the unseen and the seen;Mysterious ocean where the streams empty;
Prophetic spirit of materials shifting and flickering around me;
Living beings, identities, now doubtless near us, in the air, that we know not of;
Contact daily and hourly that will not release me;
These selecting—these, in hints, demanded of me.
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36
Not he, with a daily kiss, onward from childhood kissing me,Has winded and twisted around me that which holds me to him,
Any more than I am held to the heavens, to the spiritual world,
And to the identities of the Gods, my lovers, faithful and true,
After what they have done to me, suggesting themes.
37
O such themes! Equalities!O amazement of things! O divine average!
O warblings under the sun—usher'd, as now, or at noon, or setting!
O strain, musical, flowing through ages—now reaching hither!
I take to your reckless and composite chords—I add to them, and cheerfully pass them forward.
Leaves of grass (1872) | ||