I dare not leave the splendid town <br />To go where morning meadows are, <br />For somewhere here the Future's hid <br />In factory, shop, or liquor bar. <br />And when the picture shows are closed <br />She goes to roam about the docks. <br />Oh, she has wisdom on her mouth <br />And blood with honey in her locks. <br />I dare not read of Rosamund <br />Or such sweet ladyhood in books, <br />Lest dreaming on their excellence <br />I should forget the Future's looks. <br />And I'll walk lonely all my days <br />Down city pavements without end, <br />For with young love on flowery paths <br />I'd have small need of her to friend. <br />Yea, I would fain forget to sing, <br />Like larks in city prison bound, <br />In case I should not hear her voice <br />Above that clatter of sweet sound.<br /><br />Lesbia Harford<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-dare-not-leave-the-splendid-town/
