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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THEE WE BOW by INEZ LINDSEY ELLIS

First Line: YOU ARE LIKE THE SOUL OF WOMAN
Last Line: TO GIVE MAN HAPPINESS.
Subject(s): BEAUTY; WOMEN;
You are like the soul of woman
Beloved San Francisco Bay.
One never knows how changed your thoughts
From those of yesterday.

Surrounded by much beauty:
Purple peaks and buildings tall,
You are today quite happy;
Tomorrow, not pleased at all.

Ah, yes! I've seen your bosom
So quiet and serene,
And of all the beauties of the west,
I have called you the queen.

But when I saw you thrash about,
Your bosom filled with sighs
And all small craft pulled for the shore,
I knew here danger lies.

I've seen you look so placid
That I've been somewhat riled,
To think that you were planning
Some poor soul to beguile.

And then I've seen you beat the shore,
Your bosom heave and sway,
Until I knew it was because
You could not have your way.

The seagulls resting on your breast
Have no fear of your wrath;
Because strong wings will bear them up,
Far from your wicked grasp.

A saint and sinner, all in one,
Your restless bosom calls
And some will only see the saint—
Some for the sinner fall.

And so I say, oh gorgeous bay!
You are of female sex.
And on throughout eternity
You will the male perplex.

But when it suits you, you're so sweet,
For in your bosom rests
A great desire after all,
To give man happiness.



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