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Walt Whitman: Poems

Songs of Parting: Nearing Departure


1.

As nearing departure,

As the time draws nigh, glooming, a cloud,

A dread beyond, of I know not what, darkens me.


2.

I shall _go_ forth,

I shall traverse the States--but I cannot tell whither or how long;

Perhaps soon, some day or night while I am singing, my voice will suddenly

cease.


3.

O book and chant! must all then amount to but this?

Must we barely arrive at this beginning of me?...

And yet it is enough, O soul!

O soul! we have positively appeared--that is enough.

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