Leaves of Grass (1882)/Autumn Rivulets/To A Common Prostitute

3726046Leaves of Grass (1882) — To A Common ProstituteWalt Whitman


TO A COMMON PROSTITUTE.

Be composed—be at ease with me—I am Walt Whitman, liberal and lusty as Nature,
Not till the sun excludes you do I exclude you,
Not till the waters refuse to glisten for you and the leaves to rustle for you, do my words refuse to glisten and rustle for you.

My girl I appoint with you an appointment, and I charge you that you make preparation to be worthy to meet me,
And I charge you that you be patient and perfect till I come.

Till then I salute you with a significant look that you do not forget me.