ACQUAINTANCE

Not we who daily walk the City's street;

Not those who have been cradled in its heart,

Best understand its architectural art,

Or realise its grandeur. Oft we meet

Some stranger who has stayed his passing feet

And lingered with us for a single hour,

And learned more of cathedral, and of tower,

Than we, who deem our knowledge quite complete.

Not always those we hold most loved and dear,

Not always those who dwell with us, know best

Our greater selves. Because they stand so near

They cannot see the lofty mountain crest,

The gleaming sun-kissed height, which fair and dear

Stands forth — revealed unto the some-time guest.