 | Leaves of grass. |  |
20
62 I match my spirit
against yours, you orbs, growths,
mountains,
brutes,
Copious as you are, I absorb you all in myself, and become the master myself.
63 America isolated, yet embodying all, what is it finally except myself?
These States — what are they except myself?
64 I know now why the earth is gross, tantalizing, wicked — it is for my sake,
I take you to be mine, you beautiful, terrible, rude forms.
65 (Mother! bend down, bend close to me your face!
I know not what these plots and deferments are for;
I know not fruition's success — but I know that through war and peace your work goes on, and must yet go on.)
Copious as you are, I absorb you all in myself, and become the master myself.
63 America isolated, yet embodying all, what is it finally except myself?
These States — what are they except myself?
64 I know now why the earth is gross, tantalizing, wicked — it is for my sake,
I take you to be mine, you beautiful, terrible, rude forms.
65 (Mother! bend down, bend close to me your face!
I know not what these plots and deferments are for;
I know not fruition's success — but I know that through war and peace your work goes on, and must yet go on.)
| Leaves of grass. | |