Nearing Departure
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.