Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CITY, 1850 by JOHN GODFREY SAXE

First Line: I LOVE THE CITY, AND THE CITY'S SMOKE
Last Line: GOOD-BYE! I'M GOING BY THE EVENING TRAIN!
Subject(s): FAREWELL; NEW YORK CITY - 19TH CENTURY; STREETS; PARTING; AVENUES;

I love the city, and the city's smoke;
The smell of gas; the dust of coal and coke;
The sound of bells, the tramp of hurrying feet;
The sight of pigs and Paphians in the street;
The jostling crowd, the never-ceasing noise
Of rattling coaches, and vociferous boys;
The cry of Fire and the exciting scene
Of heroes running with their mad "mersheen";
Nay, now I think that I could even stand
The direful din of Barnum's brazen band,
So much I long to see the town again!
Good-bye! I'm going by the evening train!



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