Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Let politicians talk their fill
Last Line: That nations can as brothers love.
Subject(s): Canada; United States; Canadians; America


Let politicians talk their fill,
And papers print what papers will,
The common folk on either side
Of the invisible divide --
Canadian, United States --
Are providential working mates.

Each with a continental task,
A neighbor's helping hand we ask.
Each under heavy burdens bent,
We ask a friend's encouragement.
Each holding Britain mother-dear,
We ask a brother's loving cheer.

Three thousand miles without a fort --
What confidence does that import!
Upon the lakes that wash each shore
There's not a single ship-of-war!
And now, with amity's increase,
A blessed century of peace!

Both are the heirs of boundless wealth,
And of a sturdy nation-health.
We both extend our welcoming hands
To honest poor of other lands.
The same high hopes of splendid growth
And world-wide service move us both.

Now on our lengthened border-line
We give but one glad countersign --
Be it the same till time shall end --
This: "Who goes there?" "A friend!" "A friend!"
And let us to all nations prove
That nations can as brothers love.





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