Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ON A SUBWAY EXPRESS, by CHESTER FIRKINS First Line: I who have lost the stars, the sod Last Line: Is this wild ride -- with god. Subject(s): New York City; Subways; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple | ||||||||
I, who have lost the stars, the sod, For chilling pave and cheerless light, Have made my meeting-place with God A new and nether Night -- Have found a fane where thunder fills Loud caverns, tremulous; -- and these Atone me for my reverend hills And moonlit silences. A figment in the crowded dark, Where men sit muted by the roar, I ride upon the whirring Spark Beneath the city's floor. In this dim firmament, the stars Whirl by in blazing files and tiers; Kin meteors graze our flying bars, Amid the spinning spheres. Speed! speed! until the quivering rails Flash silver where the head-light gleams, As when on lakes the Moon impales The waves upon its beams. Life throbs about me, yet I stand Outgazing on majestic Power; Death rides with me, on either hand, In my communion hour. You that 'neath country skies can pray, Scoff not at me -- the city clod; -- My only respite of the Day Is this wild ride -- with God. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...READY FOR THE CANNERY by BERTON BRALEY TRANTER IN AMERICA by AUGUST KLEINZAHLER MEETING YOU AT THE PIERS by KENNETH KOCH FEBRUARY EVENING IN NEW YORK by DENISE LEVERTOV ON 52ND STREET by PHILIP LEVINE THREE POEMS FOR NEW YORK by JOSEPHINE MILES NEW YORK SUBWAY by HILDA MORLEY NATHAN HALE by CHESTER FIRKINS |
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