Whitman: there is no imperfection in the present (1 day to DR. BIRD)

When I began the draft for Dr. Bird, I specifically tried to emulate Whitman's long, meandering lines. Maintaining such a pace for the whole novel was not the goal, as James's moods and situations would of course change how he formed the sentences of his narrative. But I am very proud of the voice of the novel and how much it makes me feel like I'm reading a alternative Leaves of Grass.

"And I will show that there is no imperfection in the present, and can be none in the future,
And I will show that whatever happens to anybody it may be turn'd to beautiful results,
And I will show that nothing can happen more beautiful than death,
And I will thread a thread through my poems that time and events are compact,
And that all the things of the universe are pefect miracles, each as profound as any.

I will not make poems with reference to parts,
But I will make poems, songs, thoughts, with reference to ensemble,
And I will not sing with reference to a day, but with reference to all days,
And I will not make a poem nor the least part of a poem but has reference to the soul,
Because having look'd at the objects of the universe, I find there is no one nor any particle of one but has reference to the soul."

"I will effuse egotism and show it underlying all, and I will be the bard of personality"