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 rebel fronts a king in state,
I stand within her walls with not a shred
Of terror, malice, nor 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 into sand.