English poem
_Nearing Departure._
by Walt Whitman
1.
As nearing departure, As the time draws nigh, glooming, a cloud, A dread beyond, of I know not what, darkens me.
2.
I shall go forth, I shall traverse the States--but I cannot tell whither or how long; Perhaps soon, some day or night while I am singing, my voice will suddenly cease.
3.
O book and chant! must all then amount to but this? Must we barely arrive at this beginning of me?... And yet it is enough, O soul! O soul! we have positively appeared--that is enough.