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.