University of Virginia Library

previous section Leaves of grass (1872)
next section

TO A PUPIL.

1

Is reform needed? Is it through you?
The greater the reform needed, the greater the personality you need to accomplish it.

2

You! do you not see how it would serve to have eyes, blood, complexion, clean and sweet?
107

Do you not see how it would serve to have such a Body and Soul, that when you enter the crowd, an atmosphere of desire and command enters with you, and every one is impress'd with your personality?

3

O the magnet! the flesh over and over!
Go, dear friend! if need be, give up all else, and commence to-day to inure yourself to pluck, reality, self-esteem, definiteness, elevatedness;
Rest not, till you rivet and publish yourself of your own personality.
previous section Leaves of grass (1872)
next section