The Wedding of the Rose and the Lotus

Springfield: The Author, 1912.

This piece of occasional poetry was inspired by the opening of the Panama Canal, which for Lindsay promised the union of the best of Western and Eastern cultures and philosophies. Lindsay saw the Western rose as symbolizing an active, dynamic spirit, while the Eastern lotus symbolized a passive but contemplative spirit. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior in President Wilson's cabinet, distributed this poem to Congress on the opening day of the Panama Exposition. As usual, Lindsay the "rhymer and designer" both wrote and illustrated the poem, and published it at his own expense as a three-panel broadside.

Lindsay Intro | 1. Lotus | 2. Soul | 3. Village | 4. Parade