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 a rebel fronts a king in state,
  I stand within her walls with not a shred
  Of terror, malice, not 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 in the sand.