 | Leaves of grass (1872) |  |
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The Lord advances, and yet advances;Always the shadow in front—always the reach'd hand, bringing up the laggards.
17
Out of this face emerge banners and horses—O superb! I see what is coming;I see the high pioneer-caps—I see the staves of runners clearing the way,
I hear victorious drums.
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This face is a life-boat;This is the face commanding and bearded, it asks no odds of the rest;
This face is flavor'd fruit, ready for eating;
This face of a healthy honest boy is the programme of all good.
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These faces bear testimony, slumbering or awake;They show their descent from the Master himself.
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Off the word I have spoken I except not one—red, white, black, are all deific;In each house is the ovum—it comes forth after a thousand years.
21
Spots or cracks at the windows do not disturb me;Tall and sufficient stand behind, and make signs to me;
I read the promise, and patiently wait.
22
This is a full-grown lily's face,She speaks to the limber-hipp'd man near the garden pickets,
Come here, she blushingly cries—Come nigh to me, limber-hipp'd man,
Stand at my side till I lean as high as I can upon you,
Fill me with albescent honey, bend down to me,
Rub to me with your chafing beard, rub to my breast and shoulders.
| Leaves of grass (1872) | |