The Poetry Corner

O City, Look the Eastward Way

By Enid Derham

O city, look the Eastward way! Beyond thy roofs of shadowy red and grey Floats like a lily on the airy stream, Radiant and vast, a cloud, Around whose billowy head Splendour from out the glooming West is shed As if it were not ever to take flight, And on its edge of gleam In the clear blue of waning afternoon, Faint as a spirit slipping from the shroud, Faint, and yet gathering light, The Moon. O city, dream and pray! This is thy evensong at close of day.