To a Common Prostitute.

BE composed—be at ease with me—I am Walt Whitman, liberal and lusty as Nature;

Not till the sun excludes you, do I exclude you;

Not till the waters refuse to glisten for you, and the leaves to rustle for you, do my

words

refuse

to glisten and rustle for you.



My girl, I appoint with you an appointment—and I charge you that you make preparation

to

be

worthy to meet me,

And I charge you that you be patient and perfect till I come.



Till then, I salute you with a significant look, that you do not forget me.