Trippers and askers surround me,
People I meet…the effect upon me of my early life…of the ward and city I live in…of the nation,
The latest news…discoveries, inventions, societies…authors old and new,
My dinner, dress, associates, looks, business, compliments, dues,
The real or fancied indifference of some man or woman I love,
The sickness of one of my folks – or of myself…or ill-doing…or loss or lack of money…or depressions or exaltations,
They come to me days and nights and go from me again,
But they are not the Me myself.