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Leaves of Grass (1891-92)
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L. OF G.'S PURPORT.
NOT to exclude or demarcate, or pick out evils from their formid-
able masses (even to expose them,)
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But add, fuse, complete, extend—and celebrate the immortal and
the good.
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Haughty this song, its words and scope, |
To span vast realms of space and time, |
Evolution—the cumulative—growths and generations. |
Begun in ripen'd youth and steadily pursued, |
Wandering, peering, dallying with all—war, peace, day and
night absorbing,
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Never even for one brief hour abandoning my task, |
I end it here in sickness, poverty, and old age. |
I sing of life, yet mind me well of death: |
To-day shadowy Death dogs my steps, my seated shape, and
has for years—
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Draws sometimes close to me, as face to face. |
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