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Illinois Verse/The Auditorium Steps

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4364809Illinois Verse — The Auditorium StepsAnna Shattuck Palmer
The Auditorium Steps
Up and down the Auditorium steps
What heights, what depths
Of human joy and hope and passing sorrow.
Each fall, so eagerly the freshman climbs
Not knowing the times
He'll tread that path till baccalaureate.

On Sundays, at five, the organ's deep, rich voice
Draws all by choice
Up the broad stairs to vespers musical.
Both town and gown on famous Star Course nights,
Mid blazing lights.
On the steps in anticipation gayly crowd.

The campus sings and twilight concerts in spring
Great crowds soon bring.
Then Sachem's gorgeous warriors throng the steps
And at the close of the year the frats' song fest,
Each striving its best,
Fills them high with white-sleeved boys.

Soon on your heights a noble group will arise
That time defies.
Wrought by Illinois' son, Lorado Taft.
A fitting place for Alma Mater to be
Where all may see,—
Enthroned upon the Auditorium steps.