Leaves of Grass (1881-82)

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LAWS for creations,

For strong artists and leaders, for fresh broods of teachers and
perfect literats for America,

For noble savans and coming musicians.

All must have reference to the ensemble of the world, and the
compact truth of the world,

There shall be no subject too pronounced—all works shall illus-
trate the divine law of indirections.

What do you suppose creation is?

What do you suppose will satisfy the soul, except to walk free and
own no superior?

What do you suppose I would intimate to you in a hundred ways,
but that man or woman is as good as God?

And that there is no God any more divine than Yourself?

And that that is what the oldest and newest myths finally mean?

And that you or any one must approach creations through such
laws?

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The Walt Whitman Archive