HELD and thrilled by the vision I stood, as the twilight died, Where the great bridge soars like a song Over the crawling tide--Stood on the middle arch--And night flooded in from the bay, And wonderful under the stars Before me the city lay;
Girdled with swinging waters--Guarded by ship on ship--A gem that the strong old ocean Held in his giant grip;
There was play of shadows above And drifting gleams below, And magic of shifting waves That darkle and glance and glow;
Dusky and purple and splendid, Banded with loops of light, The tall towers rose like pillars, Lifting the dome of night;
The gliding cars of traffic Slid swiftly up and down Like monsters, fiery mailed, Leaping across the town.
Not planned with a thought of beauty;
Built by a lawless breed;
Builded of lust for power, Builded of gold and greed.
Risen out of the trader's Brutal and sordid wars--And yet, behold! a city Wonderful under the stars!
