Not in a night it rose -- no careless labor Has given us this city of our love; Our fathers took the wilderness for neighbor, And laid with skill and care Its first foundation there. Not in a night it rose to strength and power; Men held their own against a land aflame. They built our stronghold in a lurid hour; On the red forge of war They wrought the steel therefor. Not in a day it rose -- with faith that failed not, Our fathers planned a city for their sons. Who is it that may say their faith availed not? Seeing to-day how great Our pride in our estate. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO MY CHILDREN: 3 by DOLLIE CAROLINE MAITLAND RADFORD KNEE-DEEP IN JUNE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY THE COTTAGER TO HER INFANT by DOROTHY WORDSWORTH VERS LIBRE by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS |