Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE GATEWAY, by HARVEY MAITLAND WATTS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE GATEWAY, by                    
First Line: What rome in sheer abandonment of pride
Last Line: Glad millions press to life's exultant noon!
Subject(s): Commuters; Pennsylvania Station, New York City; Railroads; Travel; Railways; Trains; Journeys; Trips


What Rome in sheer abandonment of pride
Flung free on high for Purple Ease a lair,
Fretted with gold, a-gleam with spoils most rare,
Here, to a nobler use soars purified.
While from its silent depths controllèd glide
The slaving monsters as the people fare—
Of all things past the free, resplendent heir—
Holding the earth in leash with naught untried.
Lo! 'neath these vaultings how oblivion sweeps
The older portals! What the Golden Horn?
Or Venice, dreaming where soft waters swoon?
Or Atlas towering o'er grey ocean's deep?
Here, where this titan gateway greets the morn
Glad millions press to life's exultant noon!





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