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Leaves of Grass (1867)
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INSCRIPTION.
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SMALL is the theme of the following Chant, yet the
greatest—namely, ONE'S-SELF— that wondrous thing, a simple, separate person. That, for the use of the New World, I sing . |
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Man's physiology complete, from top to toe, I sing. Not
physiognomy alone, nor brain alone, is worthy for the muse;—I say the Form complete is worthier far. The female equally with the male, I sing . |
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Nor cease at the theme of One's-Self. I speak the word
of the modern, the word EN-MASSE. |
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My Days I sing, and the Lands—with interstice I knew
of hapless War . |
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O friend, whoe'er you are, at last arriving hither to com-
mence, I feel through every leaf the pressure of your hand, which I return. And thus upon our journey link'd together let us go . |