Leaves of Grass (1881-82)


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FROM PAUMANOK STARTING I FLY LIKE A BIRD.

FROM Paumanok starting I fly like a bird,
Around and around to soar to sing the idea of all,
To the north betaking myself to sing there arctic songs,
 


View Page 223
View Page 223

To Kanada till I absorb Kanada in myself, to Michigan then,
To Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, to sing their songs, (they are
         inimitable;)
Then to Ohio and Indiana to sing theirs, to Missouri and Kansas
         and Arkansas to sing theirs,
To Tennessee and Kentucky, to the Carolinas and Georgia to sing
         theirs,
To Texas and so along up toward California, to roam accepted
         everywhere;
To sing first, (to the tap of the war-drum if need be,)
The idea of all, of the Western world one and inseparable,
And then the song of each member of these States.
 
 
 
 
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