From The Bridge

HELD and thrilled by the vision I stood, as the twilight died, Where the great bridge soars like a song Over the crawling tide--

Stood on the middle arch-- And night flooded in from the bay, And wonderful under the stars Before me the city lay;

Girdled with swinging waters-- Guarded by ship on ship-- A gem that the strong old ocean Held in his giant grip;

There was play of shadows above And drifting gleams below, And magic of shifting waves That darkle and glance and glow;

Dusky and purple and splendid, Banded with loops of light, The tall towers rose like pillars, Lifting the dome of night;

The gliding cars of traffic Slid swiftly up and down Like monsters, fiery mailed, Leaping across the town.

Not planned with a thought of beauty; Built by a lawless breed; Builded of lust for power, Builded of gold and greed.

Risen out of the trader's Brutal and sordid wars-- And yet, behold! a city Wonderful under the stars!