Poem by Claude McKay

Subway Wind

Far down, down through the city’s great, gaunt gut, 
The gray train rushing bears the weary wind; 
In the packed cars the fans the crowd’s breath cut, 
Leaving the sick and heavy air behind. 
And pale-cheeked children seek the upper door 
To give their summer jackets to the breeze; 
Their laugh is swallowed in the deafening roar 
Of captive wind that moans for fields and seas; 
Seas cooling warm where native schooners drift 
Through sleepy waters, while gulls wheel and sweep, 
Waiting for windy waves the keels to lift 
Lightly among the islands of the deep; 
Islands of lofty palm trees blooming white 
That lend their perfume to the tropic sea, 
Where fields lie idle in the dew drenched night, 
And the Trades float above them fresh and free.

1. Alfonso, Dressing to Wait at Table
2. The Wild Goat
3. The Tired Worker
4. Tormented
5. Flirtation

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