Doubtless I could not have perceived the universe,

or written one of my poems, if I had not freely

given myself to comrades, to love.

That shadow, my likeness, that goes to and fro, seeking

a livelihood, chattering, chaffering.

How often I find myself standing and looking at it

where it flits.

How often I question and doubt whether that is really

me ;

But in these, and among my lovers, and carolling my

songs,

I never doubt whether that is really me.

1. Among the men and women, the multitude, I perceive

one picking me out by secret and divine

signs.

Acknowledging none else — not parent, wife, husband,

brother, child, any nearer than I am;

Some are baffled — But that one is not — that one

knows me.

2. Lover and perfect equal ! I meant that you should discover me so, by my faint

indirections,

And I, when I meet you, mean to discover you by the

like in you.