object:1.whitman - Souvenirs Of Democracy
author class:Walt Whitman
subject class:Poetry
book class:Whitman - Poems
class:chapter
THE business man, the acquirer vast,
After assiduous years, surveying results, preparing for departure,
Devises houses and lands to his childrenbequeaths stocks, goods
funds for a school or hospital,
Leaves money to certain companions to buy tokens, souvenirs of gems
and gold;
Parceling out with careAnd then, to prevent all cavil,
His name to his testament formally signs.
But I, my life surveying,
With nothing to show, to devise, from its idle years,
Nor houses, nor landsnor tokens of gems or gold for my friends,
Only these Souvenirs of DemocracyIn themin all my songsbehind
me leaving,
To You, who ever you are, (bathing, leavening this leaf especially
with my breathpressing on it a moment with my own hands;
Here! feel how the pulse beats in my wrists!how my heart's-blood
is swelling, contracting!)
I will You, in all, Myself, with promise to never desert you,
To which I sign my name.
questions, comments, suggestions/feedback, take-down requests, contribute, etc
contact me @ integralyogin@gmail.com or via the comments below
or join the integral discord server (chatrooms)
if the page you visited was empty, it may be noted and I will try to fill it out. cheers