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flitting glimpse, caught through an interstice, Of a crowd of workmen and drivers in a bar-room,
 * around the stove, late of a winter night—And
 * I unremarked, seated in a corner;

Of a youth who loves me, and whom I love, silently
 * approaching, and seating himself near, that he
 * may hold me by the hand;

A long while, amid the noises of coming and going
 * —of drinking and oath and smutty jest.

There we two, content, happy in being together,
 * speaking little, perhaps not a word.



and gift to California, Also to the great Pastoral Plains, and for Oregon: Sojourning east a while longer, soon I travel to you,
 * to remain, to teach robust American love;

For I know very well that I and robust love belong
 * among you, inland, and along the Western
 * Sea,

For These States tend inland, and toward the Western
 * Sea—and I will also.