To A Hurdy-Gurdy Poem by Charles Hanson Towne

Playing on Sixth Avenue


Here's to you, brave Hurdy-gurdy,
Grinding out your happy tune
While the traffic round you rumbles,
In the city's Summer noon.

No one hears you! Yet the rapture
That you feel, despite our faults,
As you gaily give the measure
Of the latest merry waltz!

Trams are rolling all about you--
How the Elevated roars!
And above their noise and tumult
Your thin twanging vainly soars.

Good for you, poor Hurdy-gurdy!
Play, unheard, your little part;
Would that I could sing as you do,
With but half as brave a heart!