loos’d of limits and imaginary lines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From this hour I ordain myself loos’d of limits and imaginary lines,

Going where I list, my own master total and absolute,

Listening to others, considering well what they say,

Pausing, searching, receiving, contemplating,

 

Gently,but with undeniable will,

 divesting myself of the holds that would hold me.

 

I inhale great draughts of space,

The east and the west are mine, and the north and the south are mine.

I am larger, better than I thought,

I did not know I held so much goodness.

All seems beautiful to me,

I can repeat over to men and women 

You have done such good to me I would do the same to you,

 

I will recruit for myself and you as I go,

I will scatter myself among men and women as I go,

I will toss a new gladness and roughness among them,

Whoever denies me it shall not trouble me,

Whoever accepts me he or she shall be blessed and shall bless me.

 

 

 

 

 

~ Walt Whitman

 from Song of the Open Road