Walt Whitman
Copyright 2004. Pat @ Close. All Rights Reserved.
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Leaves of Grass

A Walt Whitman Collection

Book IV. Children of Adam

Native Moments

Native moments--when you come upon me--ah you are here now,
Give me now libidinous joys only,
Give me the drench of my passions, give me life coarse and rank,
To-day I go consort with Nature`s darlings, to-night too,
I am for those who believe in loose delights, I share the midnight
     orgies of young men,
I dance with the dancers and drink with the drinkers,
The echoes ring with our indecent calls, I pick out some low person
     for my dearest friend,
He shall be lawless, rude, illiterate, he shall be one condemn`d by
     others for deeds done,
I will play a part no longer, why should I exile myself from my companions?
O you shunn`d persons, I at least do not shun you,
I come forthwith in your midst, I will be your poet,
I will be more to you than to any of the rest.