The shine of many city streets

Confuses any countryman;

It flickers here and flashes there,

It goes as soon as it began,

It beckons many ways at once

For him to follow if he can.

Under the lamp a woman stands,

The lamps are shining equal well,

But in her eyes are other lights,

And lights plus other lights will tell:

He loves the brightness of that street

Which is the shining street to hell.

There’s light enough, and strong enough,

To lighten every pleasant park;

I’m sorry lights are held so cheap,

I’d rather there were not a spark

Than choose those shining ways for joy

And have them lead me into dark.