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 - love;
The first step, I say, aw'd me and pleas'd me so much,
I have hardly gone, and hardly wish'd to go, any farther,
But stop and loiter all the time, to sing it in extatic songs.