Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WASHINGTON SQUARE, NORTH by WALTER PRICHARD EATON

First Line: RED-BRICK AND SUNNY IN A CHEERFUL ROW
Last Line: UNSOILED, UNWEARIED, WHEN MY DAY IS DONE.
Subject(s): WASHINGTON SQUARE, NEW YORK CITY;
Red-brick and sunny in a cheerful row,
Unboastful of the beauty they possess,
These ancient houses face the square; the stress
Of commerce from the nervous town below
Swept round and far beyond them long ago;
Upon their view the high warehouses press;
But they abide in their old-worldliness,
And time with them moves gratefully and slow.

Not otherwise when time and age advance
May I look forth on some green spot in life,
And keep the world aloof to see the sun,
And hold the children in a kindly glance,
There peacefully to pass out from the strife,
Unsoiled, unwearied, when my day is done.



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