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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CITY BEAUTIFUL, by JOHN SAIDMORE
First Line: I saw a child crowned with a crown
Last Line: Save where eyes see the worlds I dream.
Subject(s): Children; Childhood
First Line: I saw a child crowned with a crown
Last Line: Save where eyes see the worlds I dream.
Subject(s): Children; Childhood
I SAW a child crowned with a crown
Of young fresh days, but weary there
Where smileless passers paused to frown—
Sweet child, all heartless thoroughfare!
Then for the wonder of its face—
Mute eloquence that looked to Greece,
And murmured Daphne and Apollo's grace,
I spoke; speech brought my heart strange peace.
Child of the City's heartless street,
Say who you are, and whom you seek
Each day amid the pressing feet,
Dull days, slaves of their lord, the week?
I sensed, but did not hear, the child
Breathe to my soul its soul's reply,
Scent of May-day, song snow-exiled
In green-branched choirs beneath the sky;
White temples gleaming like a flame,
And work itself a holiday,
For the strange child without a name,
The child that drew my heart its way.
Man of the years that glow and fail
In salty toil, in hope's worn gleam,
My name is Beauty, and I pale
Save where eyes see the worlds I dream.
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