Ancient stone vibrating with life sighs deeply in my memory In my mind my feet still explore The hidden paths of that fair city Peace permeates my spirit as I lay dreaming Of broad greens and cloistered gardens Shaded courtyards of quiet blooms Of wood-worked halls and book lined rooms Her subtle charm, her poised beauty Warm heart beating even beneath the snow To inspire , to teach and to sow In the hearts of all who know her The seeds of joy, of love, of loyalty Reaped in measure from us all We who have walked her cobblestone streets And awakened to her tolling bells Even across the miles and years My soul resonating in time with hers And I am there again, walking out of mist and woods through slanting sunbeams Curving around carved towers And all around and within there is light
"And that sweet City with her gleaming spires, she needs not June for beauty's heightening." Matthew Arnold