Song Meaning

The speaker, identifying as Walt Whitman, addresses a "common prostitute" with an expansive, almost divine declaration of acceptance. He immediately establishes himself as "liberal and lusty as Nature," promising an embrace as unconditional as the sun or rustling leaves. This initial gesture suggests a radical, universal inclusion. However, this boundless acceptance quickly gives way to a set of demanding conditions. The speaker "appoint[s] with you an appointment," but charges her to "make preparation to be worthy" and to "be patient and perfect." This creates a stark tension, shifting from an open-armed welcome to a future meeting contingent on her transformation. The craft here lies in this very contrast. The speaker first equates his "words" with the fundamental, sensory experience of nature, claiming they "glisten and rustle" for her just as the natural world does. Yet, he then imposes specific, almost spiritual requirements for their future encounter, moving from a natural, effortless inclusion to a highly conditional, personal invitation. These lyrics are effective because they don't offer simple solace or a straightforward narrative of acceptance. Instead, they present a complex, challenging form of recognition. The speaker's final "significant look" leaves the listener with the weight of his grand, yet conditional, vision, hinting at a profound, transformative expectation.