LOUIS J. STELLMAN

TO THE CITY OF MY ADOPTION AND REBIRTH

SAN FRANCISCO

Oft from my window have I seen the day

Break o'er thy roofs and towers like a dream

In mystic silver, mirrored by the Bay,

Bedecked with shadow craft ... and then a gleam

Of golden sunlight cleaving swiftly sure

Some narrow cloud-rift--limning hill or plain

With flecks of gypsy-radiance that endure

But for the moment and are gone again.

Then I have ventured on thy strident streets,

Mid whir of traffic in the vibrant hour

When Commerce with its clashing cymbal greets

The mighty Mammon in his pomp of power....

And in the quiet dusk of eventide,

As wearied toilers quit the marts of Trade,

Have I been of their pageant--or allied

With Passion's revel in the Night Parade.

Oh, I have known thee in a thousand moods

And lived a thousand lives within thy bounds;

Adventured with the throng that laughs or broods,

Trod all thy cloisters and thy pleasure grounds,

Seen thee, in travail from the fiery torch,

Betrayed by Greed, smirched by thy sons' disgrace--

Rise with a spirit that no flame can scorch

To make thyself a new and honored place.

Ah, Good Gray City! Let me sing thy song

Of western splendor, vigorous and bold;

In vice or virtue unashamed and strong--

Stormy of mien but with a heart of gold!

I love thee, San Francisco; I am proud

Of all thy scars and trophies, praise or blame

And from thy wind-swept hills I cry aloud

The everlasting glory of thy name.