Walt Whitman (1819–1892). Leaves of Grass. 1900.

316. Not My Enemies Ever Invade Me

NOT my enemies ever invade me—no harm to my pride from them I fear;

But the lovers I recklessly love—lo! how they master me!

Lo! me, ever open and helpless, bereft of my strength!

Utterly abject, grovelling on the ground before them.