New York Nocturnes, and Other Poems — A Nocturne of Exile

A Nocturne of Exile Out of this night of lonely noise, The city’s crowded cries, Home of my heart, to thee, to thee I turn my longing eyes.

Years, years, how many years I went In exile wearily, Before I lifted up my face And saw my home in thee.

I had come home to thee at last.

I saw thy warm lights gleam.

I entered thine abiding joy,-- Oh, was it but a dream?

Ere I could reckon with my heart The sum of our delight, I was an exile once again Here in the hasting night.

Thy doors were shut; thy lights were gone From my remembering eyes.

-- Only the city’s endless throng!

Only the crowded cries!