August In The City

The brooding hours, through the dull afternoon, Pause, while a torrid sun flames in the sky. (O heart of mine, dream of a long, cool dune, Where breezes wander by!) Hemmed in by granite walls, the very paves Grow worn and weary with the ceaseless heat. (O heart, dream of a shore where foam-flecked waves Surge, crash, and wildly beat!) The sad hours creep toward the dim light of dusk-- Ah! how each laggard moment slowly goes! (O heart, dream of a garden filled with musk And the sweet scent of rose!) The sun goes down at last, and lo! a breeze Pours through the mighty cavern of the streets. (O sleeping heart, dream of unsheltered seas Where the glad, fresh rains beats!)