The Tulip Bed At Greeley Square

You know that oasis, fresh and fair / In the city desert, as Greeley square?

That bright triangle of scented bloom / That lies surrounded by grime and gloom?

Right in the breast of the seething town / Like a gleaming gem or a wanton's gown?

Ah, wonderful things that tulip bed / Unto my listening soul has said.

Over the rattle and roar of the street / I hear a chorus of voices sweet,

Day and night, when I pass that way, / And these are the things the voices say:

"Here, in the heart of the foolish strife, / We live a simple and natural life.

"Here, in the midst of the clash and din, / We know what it is to be calm within.

"Here, environed by sin and shame, / We do what we can with our pure white flame.

"We do what we can with our bloom and grace, / To make the city a fairer place.

"It is well to be good though the world is vile, / And so through the dust and the smoke we smile,

"We are but atoms in chaos tossed, / Yet never a purpose for truth was lost."

Ah, many a sermon is uttered there / By the bed of blossoms in Greeley square.

And he who listens and hears aright, / Is better equipped for the world's hard fight.