One flitting glimpse, caught tliroiigli an interstice,

Of a crowd of workmen and drivers in a bar-room, around the stove, late of a winter night — And

I unremarked, seated in a corner ;

Of a youth who loves me, and whom I love, silently approaching, and seating himself near, that he may hold me by the hand ;

A long while, amid the noises of coming and going — of drinking and oath and smutty jest.

There we two, content, happy in being together, speaking little, perhaps not a word.

A PROMISE and gift to California,

Also to the great Pastoral Plains, and for Oregon:

Sojourning east a while longer, soon I travel to you, to remain, to teach robust American love ;

For I know very well that I and robust love belong among you, inland, and along the Western Sea,

For These States tend inland, and toward the Western Sea — and I will also.