Page:Leaves of Grass (1860).djvu/93

Rh To a drudge of the cotton-fields or cleaner of privies
 * I lean,

On his right cheek I put the family kiss, And in my soul I swear, I never will deny him.

On women fit for conception I start bigger and
 * nimbler babes,

This day I am jetting the stuff of far more arrogant
 * republics.

To any one dying—thither I speed, and twist the
 * knob of the door,

Turn the bed-clothes toward the foot of the bed, Let the physician and the priest go home.

I seize the descending man, and raise him with
 * resistless will.

O despairer, here is my neck, By God! you shall not go down! Hang your whole
 * weight upon me.

I dilate you with tremendous breath—I buoy you up, Every room of the house do I fill with an armed force, Lovers of me, bafflers of graves.

Sleep! I and they keep guard all night, Not doubt—not decease shall dare to lay finger upon
 * you,

I have embraced you, and henceforth possess you to
 * myself,

And when you rise in the morning you will find what
 * I tell you is so.

Rh