Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/83



Tell you tales of pleasant cities, where processions never ending Throng the streets at morn and even, while the traffic screams and roars; Where 'tis ever keen contriving, Each man with his neighbour striving; Where tall houses hang together, and there ain't no out-of-doors?

Sing you songs of crowds careering: days of rush and nights of clamour; Where there's ne'er a glimpse of greenwood to relieve the aching eyes. Not for me their schemes nor pleasures; Not for me their modes nor measures— Give me life as strong men live it where the timber ranges rise.

Where the timber-trucks come swinging down the curving hill-side track; Where the splitter trudges singing with his weekly tucker pack;