The Deserted City

The Deserted City is a sonnet by Francis Sherman. Sherman was a Canadian poet who published numerous books with poems and sonnets. Excerpt: "When in the old years I had dreams of thee Thy dark walls stood in a most barren place; And he within (was his wan face my face?) Wandered alone and wept continually. There was no bird to hear, nor sun to see, Nor green thing growing; nor for his release Came sleep; neither forgetfulness nor peace: Whereby I knew that none had sinned as he. To-day I met him where white lilies gleam; Across our path we watched the sparrows flit; Until–the sunlight strong in our dry eyes– He paused with me beside a green-edged stream, Moaning, «I know, where its young waters rise, Remembering, one leaneth over it.»