We want our town to grow, to be The city that our fathers dreamed, A city known from sea to sea, The better known the more esteemed. We want to build a city great, Yea, greater than our city now; Through every hour of changing fate We want our town to grow -- but how? We want our town to grow -- but not In numbers only, only size; Our population is not what Shall make us mighty, make us wise. Now naught are Nineveh and Tyre Where huddled thousands used to dwell. Humanity will not inquire How many live here -- but how well. We want our town to grow in wealth -- But grow in wealth that counts the most: Our children's happiness and health A better wealth, a better boast. In song, in soul, in sympathy, In love of good, in hate of sin, In loyalty, in unity, We want our town to grow -- within. And then we want to grow without, To tear away the ancient walls, Big brother to the world about, Whatever comes, whoever calls. We do not want to dwell alone, We do not want to stand apart; The better loved the better known, We want our town to grow -- in heart. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LIFE SO SHORT by EAMON GRENNAN EIGHTEEN-DOLLAR TAXI TRIP TO TIZAPAN AND BACK TO CHAPALA by CLARENCE MAJOR SURFACES AND MASKS; 7 by CLARENCE MAJOR I PAY MY DEBT FOR LAFAYETTE AND ROCHAMBEAU' by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE GREAT RACE PASSES by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |