The Hate And The Love Of The World

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!"