ANTHOLOGY OF MASSACHUSETTS POETS (44)

    TRAVELING at dusk the noisy city street, I listened to the newsboys' strident cries Of "Extra," as with flying feet, They strove to gain this man or that-their prize. But one there was with neither shout nor stride, And, having bought from him, I stood nearby, Pondering the cruel crutches¹ at his side, Blaming the crowd's neglect, and wondering why-

    When suddenly I heard a gruff voice greet The cripple with "On time to-night？" Then, as he handed out the sheet, The Youngster's answer"You're all right. My other reg'lars are a little late. They'll find I'm short one paper when they come； You see, a strange guy bought one in the wait, I tho't 'twould cheer him up-he looked so glum²！"

    So, sheepishly I laughed, and went my way For I had found a city's heart that day.