In the heart of the city, where dreams walk tall,
Stand sentries of light, guardians over all.
Silent they stand, through the ebb and flow,
Witness to life's theater, its ceaseless show.
Through winds that wail, through time's steady stride,
They keep their vigil, with relentless pride.
Under their gaze, children come to play,
Beneath their glow, lovers lose their way.
They've watched the horses trot, then fade away,
Seen the birth of cars, and their noisy sway.
Now, bikes whisper past, electric cars hum near,
Yet, the street lights stand, year after year.
Beneath a street light's tender glow,
Two young hearts in the night's soft flow.
In an old car, parked side by side,
Under its watch, they can't hide.
In its light, a first kiss they share,
A moment sweet, beyond compare.
The street light, in its gentle beam,
Bathes their embrace in a dreamy stream.
With every whisper, every touch,
In that old car, they feel so much.
The street light, a silent guide,
Witness to love they can't hide.
In its halo, they find their bliss,
In the quiet night, just like this.
Underneath its steadfast gleam,
Young love blossoms, a tender dream.
In their silent watch, they've seen unrest,
The city's heart, in turmoil dressed.
From shouts of change to marching feet,
In their glow, history's drumbeat.
Through civil rights' long, winding road,
'Neath their watch, hope's seeds were sowed.
Beneath their gaze, voices rose high,
Echoing dreams that refuse to die.
They've seen the banners, heard the cries,
Under their light, no truth disguises.
Through times of peace and times of fight,
They've shone on faces, black and white.
In their unblinking, ceaseless stare,
Witness to change, floating in the air.
From protests loud to silent stands,
They light the movement's countless hands.
So as the city heaves and sighs,
Beneath the street lights' watchful eyes,
Through every struggle, every night,
They stand as beacons, casting light.
In every tear, in every cheer,
Through times of hope, through times of fear,
The street lights, in their constant way,
Illuminate our night and day.
From gaslight's flicker to LED's glare,
They light our paths, always there, always aware.
Under their watch, tales of the city unfold,
Stories of the young, and memories of the old.
In their unwavering light, dreams are spun,
Under their gaze, many a race is run.
Through seasons' turn, through the urban sprawl,
The street lights stand, sentinels overall.
So here's to the guardians of our night,
Who cast their beams, steady and bright.
In the city's heart, where life's tides rise and fall,
The street light stands guard, silent, witnessing all.
By Greg McNeilly
