Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


QUICKSAND YEARS by WALT WHITMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: QUICKSAND YEARS THAT WHIRL ME I KNOW NOT WHITHER
Last Line: WHEN SHOWS BREAK UP WHAT BUT ONE'S-SELF IS SURE?

Quicksand years that whirl me I know not whither,
Your schemes, politics, fail, lines give way, substances
mock and elude me,
Only the theme I sing, the great and strong-possess'd soul,
eludes not,
One's-self must never give way -- that is the final
substance -- that out of all is sure,
Out of politics, triumphs, battles, life, what at last
finally remains?
When shows break up what but One's-Self is sure?



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