New York and the long city streets
Sunk in shadow with ghostly yellow lamps
Is home to me, my music and my dreams.
I walk on, mile on endless mile
Young and unafraid through danger and dark,
The temptress night seducing mind and heart.
Along the Hudson with its languid waves
And on to Sutton Place I wind my way.
In German town I hear the zither play
And sing awhile with kindly men the songs
Of Schubert, Schumann, Wölf, and often Brahms,
Lieder of the poet’s life and loves
And lighter melodies that sweeten the night.
Moving on again I turn towards home
On Kenmare Street in Little Italy,
Where ancient ladies at their window seats
Look out on all with darting ferret eyes
Missing nothing but welcoming their own.
Safe I sleep though the police cars roar
Deep beneath my rooms this moonless night.