Helen Hoyt

From “In a Certain City”

SMOKE and tawny air;

Bricks blurred with black,

Softened with dusk,

Edges clouded with smoke—

Great human thing, beautiful with ugliness,

Gripping our hearts because you are big and clumsy and kind,

Going with dream-misted eyes:

Tenderly you take our love, with welcome,

Coarse and strong and friendly.