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Although Altho‡ 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 nor even* a word of jeer.
Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,*
And To* see her might and granite wonders there,
Beneath the touch of Time's unerring hand,
Like priceless ancient* treasures sinking buried* in the sand.