by Whitman · Cluster: Self-Knowledge · Immortality · Self-Reliance
Abstract
Gentle prayer for the soul at death to be wafted noiselessly from the fortressed house of the body, unlocking the doors of mortal flesh and love.
Connections
Motifs: Death Themes & Concepts: Self-Knowledge, Immortality, Romantic Love Forms & Genres: Lyric
Testo integrale / Full text
Cluster: WHISPERS OF HEAVENLY DEATH
At the last, tenderly,
From the walls of the powerful fortress’d house,
From the clasp of the knitted locks, from the keep of the well-closed doors,
Let me be wafted.
Let me glide noiselessly forth;
With the key of softness unlock the locks—with a whisper,
Set ope the doors O soul.
Tenderly—be not impatient,
(Strong is your hold O mortal flesh,
Strong is your hold O love.)