from Lyrics of the Street

Street Yarn Roses caged in windows, heighten Your faint blooms today; Silks and sheeny satins, brighten; He has passed this way! Could ye keep his fleeting presence Gone beyond recall, But a little of his essence, I would have you all. Arabesque so quaint and shady, That mightst catch his eye To adorn a stately lady Ere her hour went by, Canst assure me that his glancing Rested on they fold? Did that set your purples dancing? Wake the sleepy gold? Ye neglected apple-venders Mouldering in the street, Did he curse between your tenders, Spurning with his feet? Then must I an alms deliver For his graceless pride; Could I buy his sins forever, I’d not be denied. Paying patiently his ransom Never conscience-pricked; Cheating Justice of her handsome Heartless derelict. Did he view thee, ancient steeple, With thy weird clock-face, Frowning down on sinful people Passing out of grace? Nay, respond not to my question With thy prate of time: Things to which my soul must hasten Lie beyond thy chime. With no circumstance to screen us, We must meet again: I shall bid God judge between us, Answering Amen.