Classic Poem

The bravest, manliest man as he
Who braves the brede, who breaks the sod,
Who sows a seed, who plants a tree,
Who turns and tears the barren clod,
In partnership with God is he—
Himself a very part of God,
Aye, God's anointed, God's high priest.
And he who sees, who knows to see
As saw the eager seers of old,
Is of the “wise men of the East,”
Is richer than all Araby
In incense, myrrh and gifts of gold.

The noblest woman, bravest, best
Of all brave souls beneath the sun?
I say the queenliest is that one—
Seek north or south or east or west—
Who loves to fold the little frock
And hear the cradle rock and rock.
I say the purest woman, best
Beneath our forty stars, is she
Who loves her spouse most ardently
And rocks the cradle oftenest—
Who rocks and sings and rocks, and then,
When birds are nesting, rocks again.