Mr. Whitman, or is it Walt,
we have officially been introduced.
My sincerest, congratulations, on your
publication Leaves of Grass.
My apologies, should I say, a belated
congratulations. Your work proceeds my birth
by one-hundred and fifty years.
A friends recommendation, by chance
we become acquainted.
It was Ginsberg who I first heard quote,
the legendary lines "Do I contradict myself?..."
To be honest, Ive heard many murmurs and
many rumors and much small talk and many tall tales.
Your reputation proceeds your work.
I leave criticism, and judgement, and
personal sentiment with little, personal,
regard. No, I follow the true path of life,
laid before me by the likes of great
men and women; I follow great persons,
such as yourself. I look forward to
future engagements. My dearest regards.