EAST AND WEST

You have not ceased for me. Though stern-browed Fate

Laid our two paths apart; when in the West

She gave you over to the seas, and great

Wide winds of enterprise, and set your breast

Against the suns and shadows of the earth;

Then with a gilded largess, led my ways

Toward the time-worn East, who paints her dearth

With purple vain imaginings; the praise

Of all her languid incense and the pride

Of ancient mysteries and hopeless creeds

Hold for my heart no spell when warm and wide

I see across the blue of Isis’ veil

The thunderous breakers of your ocean pale

And glints of prairie sun through river reeds.