Contemplation

I went into a house of many lofts, And in each loft I saw a thousand men, And women, too, and children, too, I saw. And all around arose a deaf'ning roar-- The roaring of machines o'er which were bent The toilers toiling at their tiresome task. And as I stood and gazed upon this scene I wondered why it was--I wondered why....

I went into a house of gilded halls, And in each hall there shone a thousand lights, And many men and women also shone. Delightful music mingled with perfume. Around luxurious tables, diners sat Enjoying luscious viands, mellow wines. And as I stood and gazed upon this scene, I thought of toilers and I understood.