Dedication
TO THE CITY OF MY ADOPTION AND REBIRTH
SAN FRANCISCO
Oft from my window have I seen the day
Break o’er thy roofs and towers like a dream
In mystic silver, mirrored by the Bay,
Bedecked with shadow craft... and then a gleam
Of golden sunlight cleaving swiftly sure
Some narrow cloud-rift—limning hill or plain
With flecks of gypsy-radiance that endure
But for the moment and are gone again.
Then I have ventured on thy strident streets,
Mid whir of traffic in the vibrant hour
When Commerce with its clashing cymbal greets
The mighty Mammon in his pomp of power....
And in the quiet dusk of eventide,
As wearied toilers quit the marts of Trade,
Have I been of their pageant—or allied
With Passion’s revel in the Night Parade.