“Come, ye disconsolate, in whom any latent eligibility is left—come get the sure virtues of creek-shore, and wood and field.”

Recording the restorative effect of sustained time outdoors · Specimen Days, A Sun-Bath—Nakedness

• Hope
• Nature

“The poet shall go directly to the creation.”

Calling the poet away from unnecessary preliminaries and towards making · Preface to Leaves of Grass, 1855

• Art
• Poetry

“We are no better than you, what we inclose you inclose, what we enjoy you may enjoy.”

Rejecting hierarchy between poet, poem and reader · Preface to Leaves of Grass, 1855

• Friendship
• Poetry