University of Virginia Library

1  As I walk, solitary, unattended,
Around me I hear that eclat of the world — politics,      produce,
The announcements of recognized things — science,
The approved growth of cities, and the spread of      inventions.
2  I see the ships, (they will last a few years,)
The vast factories, with their foremen and workmen,
And hear the indorsement of all, and do not object      to it.
3  But we too announce solid things;
Science, ships, politics, cities, factories, are not nothing       — they serve,
They stand for realities — all is as it should be.
4  Then my realities;
What else is so real as mine?
Libertad, and the divine average — Freedom to every      slave on the face of the earth,
The rapt promises and luminé of seers — the spiritual      world — these centuries-lasting songs,
And our visions, the visions of poets, the most solid      announcements of any.
5  For we support all,
After the rest is done and gone, we remain;
There is no final reliance but upon us;
Democracy rests finally upon us, (I, my brethren,      begin it,)
And our visions sweep through eternity.