LINES
Reading edition
SENT TO THE DINNER GIVEN IN HONOR OF WALT WHITMAN'S SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY, AT CAMDEN, N.J., MAY 31, 1889, AT 5 O'CLOCK P.M.
"Splendor of ended day floating and filling me,"B Comes to my mind as I think of the hour When our poet and friend will be lovingly drinking The mystical cup of the seventy years' power. Were I the man-of-war bird he has pictured Nothing could keep me from flying that way. But, though absent in body, there's nothing can hinder My tasting the joys of that festive birthday; For on the swift wings of the ending day's splendor My soul will glide in to drink deep the cup's wealth. Who knows but the poet's keen sense of pure friendship Will feel, 'midst the joy, what I drink to his health?— Splendor of ended day Be but the door Opening the endless way Life evermore.