Social Commentaries

On Broadway

by Claude McKay 1889–1948

From Harlem Shadows

Social Commentaries

About me young and careless feet
Linger along the garish street;
Above, a hundred shouting signs
Shed down their bright fantastic glow
Upon the merry crowd and lines
Of moving carriages below.
Oh wonderful is Broadway--only
My heart, my heart is lonely.

Desire naked, linked with Passion,
Goes strutting by in brazen fashion;
From playhouse, cabaret and inn
The rainbow lights of Broadway blaze
All gay without, all glad within;
As in a dream I stand and gaze
At Broadway, shining Broadway--only
My heart, my heart is lonely.

MLA

McKay, Claude. “On Broadway.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/mckay/7/.

Chicago

McKay, Claude. “On Broadway.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/mckay/7/.

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