| 
 
|
Songs
of the Common Day, and Ave!
An
Ode for the Shelley Centenary
by
Charles G.D. Roberts
|
THE
DESERTED CITY
|
|
THERE
lies a little city leagues away.
Its wharves the green
sea washes all day long.
Its busy, sun-bright
wharves with sailors' song
And clamour of trade ring loud the live-long day.
Into the happy harbour hastening, gay
|
5 |
With press of snowy
canvas, tall ships throng.
The peopled streets
to blithe-eyed Peace belong,
Glad housed beneath these crowding roofs of grey.
'Twas
long ago this city prospered so,
For yesterday a
woman died therein. |
10 |
Since
when the wharves are idle fallen, I know,
And in the streets
is hushed the pleasant din;
The thronging ships
have been, the songs have been;—
Since yesterday it is so long ago. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
