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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE WHITE HOUSE by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: WHY WHITE, O WHITE HOUSE?
Last Line: BECAUSE SO MIGHTY FOR A FIGHT!
Subject(s): WHITE HOUSE (WASHINGTON, D.C.);
Why white, O White House?
That your creed
Be purity in word and deed;
That all the nations of the earth
May trust your simple, honest worth;
That pride may have no entrance here,
Nor greed nor selfishness appear,
And low ambition find no place
In this abode of simple grace.

Why white, O White House?
That your peace
May flourish and may never cease;
That, though the parties shout and fight,
Here may be calm and steady light;
That, though all nations madly clash,
Here may a spirit never rash,
A temperate and friendly mind,
Deal righteously with all mankind.

Why white, O White House?
Make it clear
'Tis not that white betokens fear, --
White flag, the sign of dire distress,
White feather, coward worthlessness!
No! be your purity arrayed
With power to make its rule obeyed;
And may your peace uphold the right,
Because so mighty for a fight!



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