The earth recedes from me into the night, I saw that it was beautiful . . . . and I see that what is not the earth is beautiful. - Walt Whitman

I am exact and merciless but I love you.

"Whoever you are holding me now in hand,
Without one thing all will be useless,
I give you fair warning before you attempt me further,
I am not what you supposed, but far different."

-from "Whoever You Are Holding Me Now in Hand"

I know I am deathless,
I know this orbit of mine cannot be swept by the carpenter’s compass,
I know I shall not pass like a child’s carlacue cut with a burnt stick at night.

I know I am august,
I do not trouble my spirit to vindicate itself or be understood,
I see that the elementary laws never apologize,
I reckon I behave no prouder than the level I plant my house by, after all.

I exist as I am — that is enough,
If no other in the world be aware, I sit content,
And if each and all be aware, I sit content.