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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


NATIVE MOMENTS by WALT WHITMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: NATIVE MOMENTS -- WHEN YOU COME UPON ME -- AH YOU ARE HERE NOW,
Last Line: I WILL BE MORE TO YOU THAN TO ANY OF THE REST.

Native moments -- when you come upon me -- ah you are here now,
Give me now libidinous joys only,
Give me the drench of my passions, give me life coarse and rank,
To-day I go consort with Nature's darlings, to-night too,
I am for those who believe in loose delights, I share the
midnight orgies of young men,
I dance with the dancers and drink with the drinkers,
The echoes ring with our indecent calls, I pick out some
low person for my dearest friend,
He shall be lawless, rude, illiterate, he shall be one
condemned by others for deeds done,
I will play a part no longer, why should I exile myself
from my companions?
O you shunn'd persons, I at least do not shun you,
I come forthwith in your midst, I will be your poet,
I will be more to you than to any of the rest.



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