America

  Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,

  And sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth,

  Stealing my breath of life, I will confess

  I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!

  Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,

  Giving me strength erect against her hate.

  Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.

  Yet as a rebel fronts a king in state,

  I stand within her walls with not a shred

  Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.

  Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,

  And see her might and granite wonders there,

  Beneath the touch of Time's unerring hand,

  Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.