Page:Leaves of Grass (1860).djvu/437

Rh Double yourself and receive me, darkness! Receive me and my lover too—he will not let me go
 * without him.

I roll myself upon you, as upon a bed—I resign
 * myself to the dusk.

He whom I call answers me and takes the place of
 * my lover,

He rises with me silently from the bed.

Darkness! you are gentler than my lover—his flesh
 * was sweaty and panting,

I feel the hot moisture yet that he left me.

My hands are spread forth, I pass them in all
 * directions,

I would sound up the shadowy shore to which you
 * are journeying.

Be careful, darkness! already, what was it touched
 * me?

I thought my lover had gone, else darkness and he
 * are one,

I hear the heart-beat—I follow, I fade away.

O hot-cheeked and blushing! O foolish hectic! O for pity's sake, no one must see me now! my
 * clothes were stolen while I was abed,

Now I am thrust forth, where shall I run?

Pier that I saw dimly last night, when I looked from
 * the windows!