The earth expanding right hand and left
   hand,
 The picture alive, every part in its best light,
 The music falling in where it is wanted, and
   stopping where it is not wanted,
 The cheerful voice of the public road, the
   gay fresh sentiment of the road.

O highway I travel, do you say to me Do
   not leave me?
 Do you say Venture not--if you leave me
   you are lost?
 Do you say I am already prepared, I am
   well-beaten and undenied, adhere to me?

O public road, I say back I am not afraid to
   leave you, yet I love you,
 You express me better than I can express 
   myself,
 You shall be more to me than my poem.

I think heroic deeds were all conceiv'd in the
   open air, and all free poems also,
 I think I could stop here myself and do 
   miracles,
 I think whatever I shall meet on the road I
   shall like, and whoever beholds me shall
   like me,
 I think whoever I see must be happy.