No more for communion of sorrow and joy, of old and young,
A far-stretching journey awaits him, to return no more,)
Shunning, postponing severance-seeking to ward off the last
word ever so little,

E'en at the exit-door turning-charges superfluous calling back -e'en as he descends the steps,

Something to eke out a minute additional shadows of nightfall

deepening,

Farewells, messages lessening-dimmer the forthgoer's visage and form,

Soon to be lost for aye in the darkness-loth, O so loth to

depart!

Garrulous to the very last.

LEAVES OF GRASS