Classic Poem

I have seen men binding their brothers in chains, and crafty traders reaching for the bread that women and children lifted to their mouths;
I have seen suffering go unaided.
I have heard the iron din of war, and have seen the waxen face of early death;
And I have cried in my heart, “The world is hate!”

I have heard birds calling their mates in the still forests, and insects chirping to their loves in the tangled grass of meadows;
I have seen mothers caressing their babes, and aged men supporting with devotion the slow steps of stooping women;
I have seen cheerful hearthstones surrounded by laughing children and strong men and happy women;
I have heard the tender words of lovers in the pure passion of youth;
And I have cried in my heart, “The world is love!”

I have seen men binding their brothers in chains, and crafty traders reaching for the bread that women and children lifted to their mouths;
I have seen suffering go unaided.
I have heard the iron din of war, and have seen the waxen face of early death;
And I have cried in my heart, “The world is hate!”

I have heard birds calling their mates in the still forests, and insects chirping to their loves in the tangled grass of meadows;
I have seen mothers caressing their babes, and aged men supporting with devotion the slow steps of stooping women;
I have seen cheerful hearthstones surrounded by laughing children and strong men and happy women;
I have heard the tender words of lovers in the pure passion of youth;
And I have cried in my heart, “The world is love!”