University of Virginia Library

17

54   O I see now, flashing, that this America is only you      and me,
Its power, weapons, testimony, are you and me,
Its crimes, lies, thefts, defections, slavery, are you      and me,
Its Congress is you and me — the officers, capitols,      armies, ships, are you and me,
Its endless gestations of new States are you and me,
The war — that war so bloody and grim — the war I      wish to forget — was you and me,
Natural and artificial are you and me,
Freedom, language, poems, employments, are you      and me,
Past, present, future, are you and me.