It's from Patria Mia, so the date is too late.
 
Interestingly, a NY Times article on the documentary ended with the
quote--the editor called me beforehand to ask for its origin, which I
provided, along with the correct spelling and punctuation--which guidance
went unheeded.
 
Jonathan Gill
Columbia University
 
 
 
On Sun, 21 Nov 1999, David Clippinger wrote:
 
> This recently appeared on the contemporary american poetry list.
>
>
> >
> > X-Sender: [log in to unmask]
> > X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Pro Version 4.2.0.58
> > Date: Sat, 20 Nov 1999 15:55:56 -0800
> > X-PH: V4.1@f05n13
> > To: CAP-L
> > From: [log in to unmask] (Cap-L)
> > Subject: Ezra Pound and NYC
> >
> > The following passage was recited in Ric Burns's documentary on New York,
> > recently aired on PBS:
> >
> > "Is New York the most beautiful city in the world?  It is not far from it.
> > No urban nights are like the nights there.  I have looked down across the
> > city from high windows.  It is then that the great buildings lose reality
> and
> > take on magical powers.  Square after square of flame set and cut into the
> > ether.  Here is our poetry, for we have pulled down the stars to our will."
> >
> > The narrator ends this passage with "Ezra Pound, 1913."  Does anyone know
> > where this is from?  My guess is that it is from an essay, possibly a
> letter,
> > though for all I know, it could be a poem with line breaks.  Any
> > clarification would be gladly appreciated.  Thanks.
> >
> > Erik Pihel
> >
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>com
>
>
>
>
> David Clippinger, Ph.D.
> Assistant Professor of English
> Penn State University
> 100 University Drive
> Monaca, PA 15061
> (724) 773-3884
> www.clippinger.com/david
> ____________________________________________________________________
>
> After late spring rain the falling petals swirl
> weightlessly celestial scent covers my patched robe
> a simple vacant mind has no place to go
> resting on the peak I watch the clouds return
>     --Han-shan Te-ch'ing
>
> ____________________________________________________________________
>
>