I

A heavy sky, and a drizzling rain

And the lamps in rigid rows;

Long smears of light all down the street

Where a lean cat stalking goes;

Blank, save a glimmer here and there

The gaunt dark houses stand —

And a man and a girl against the gate

Whispering, hand in hand.

There is a little dripping sound

Of rain from off the roof;

And gleaming like black armour goes

The policeman's waterproof.

He crosses the road to give them room

As he takes his evening beat;

He also knows that heaven may look

Like a rainy London street.