THE 5: 42

By Christopher Morley

Lilac, violet, and rose

Ardently the city glows;

Sunset glory, purely sweet,

Gilds the dreaming byway-street,

And, above the Avenue,

Winter dusk is deepening blue.

( Then, across Long Island meadows,

Darker, darker, grow the shadows:

Patience, little waiting lass!

Laggard minutes slowly pass;

Patience, laughs the yellow fire:

Homeward bound is heart's desire! )

Hark, adown the canyon street

Flows the merry tide of feet;

High the golden buildings loom

Blazing in the purple gloom;

All the town is set with stars,

Homeward chant the Broadway cars!

All down Thirty-second Street

Homeward, Homeward, say the feet!

Tramping men, uncouth to view,

Footsore, weary, thrill anew;

Gone the ringing telephones,

Blessed nightfall now atones.

Casting brightness on the snow

Golden the train windows go.

Then ( how long it seems ) at last

All the way is overpast.

Heart that beats your muffled drum,

Lo, your venturer is come!

Wide the door! Leap high, O fire!

Home at length is heart's desire!

Gone is weariness and fret,

At the sill warm lips are met.

Once again may be renewed

The conjoined beatitude.