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1850–1919

EAST AND WEST

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

The Day has never understood the Gloaming or the Night; Though sired by one Creative Power, and nursed at Nature's breast; The White Man ever fails to read the Dark Man's heart aright; Though from the self-same Source they came, upon the self-same quest;

So deep and wide, the Great Divide, Between the East and West. But like a shadow on a screen, mine eyes behold, above The yawning gulf, a dim forecast, of structures strong and broad;

Where caste, and colour prejudice, by countless feet down trod, With old traditions crushed by Time, pave smooth the bridge of Love; And all the creed that men shall heed Is consciousness of God.

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EAST AND WEST · Ella Wheeler Wilcox · Poetry Cove