Beginning My Studies

Beginning My Studies

by Walt Whitman

Beginning my studies, the first step pleas'd me so much,

The mere fact, consciousness—these forms—the power of motion,

The least insect or animal—the senses—eyesight;

The first step, I say, aw'd me and pleas'd me so much,

I have never gone, and never wish'd to go, any farther,

But stop and loiter all my life, to sing it in ecstatic songs.