Epigraph from my upcoming novel, Native Moments

“Native moments – when you come upon me – ah you are here now,

Give now libidinous joys only,

Give me the drench of my passions, give me life coarse and rank,

Today I go consort with Nature’s darlings, to-night too,

I am for those who believe in loose delights, I share the midnight orgies

of young men, I dance with the dancers and drink with the drinkers,

The echoes ring with our indecent calls, I pick out some low person

for my dearest friend, He shall be lawless, rude, illiterate,

he shall be one condemned by others for deeds done,

I will play a part no longer, why should I exile myself from my companions?

O you shunn’d persons, I at least do not shun you,

I come forthwith in your midst, I will be your poet,

I will be more to you than to any of the rest.”

– Walt Whitman

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