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Leaves of Grass (1881-82)
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WHEN I HEARD AT THE CLOSE OF THE DAY.
WHEN I heard at the close of the day how my name had been
receiv'd with plaudits in the capitol, still it was not a happy
night for me that follow'd,
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And else when I carous'd, or when my plans were accomplish'd,
still I was not happy,
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View Page 103
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But the day when I rose at dawn from the bed of perfect health,
refresh'd, singing, inhaling the ripe breath of autumn,
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When I saw the full moon in the west grow pale and disappear in
the morning light,
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When I wander'd alone over the beach, and undressing bathed,
laughing with the cool waters, and saw the sun rise,
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And when I thought how my dear friend my lover was on his way
coming, O then I was happy,
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O then each breath tasted sweeter, and all that day my food
nourish'd me more, and the beautiful day pass'd well,
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And the next came with equal joy, and with the next at evening
came my friend,
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And that night while all was still I heard the waters roll slowly
continually up the shores,
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I heard the hissing rustle of the liquid and sands as directed to
me whispering to congratulate me,
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For the one I love most lay sleeping by me under the same cover
in the cool night,
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In the stillness in the autumn moonbeams his face was inclined
toward me,
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And his arm lay lightly around my breast—and that night I was
happy.
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