Poem by Walt Whitman

Leaves of Grass. 30. Whispers of Heavenly Death. 8. Quicksand Years

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?

1. Leaves of Grass. 24. Autumn Rivulets. 23. To a Pupil
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3. Leaves of Grass. 34. Sands at Seventy. 47. Orange Buds by Mail from Florida
4. Leaves of Grass. 34. Sands at Seventy. Fancies at Navesink. 6. Proudly the Flood Comes In
5. Leaves of Grass. 34. Sands at Seventy. 24. Washington's Monument February, 1885

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