A sip of coffee, a bite of bagel
                                     And the aroma of the city riddles you.
                                     A silent symphony of classic tones
                                     Rings throughout its halls of buildings
                                     Slowly rising from August heat
                                     To sweet and chilly February breeze
                                     Until a crescendo of spring
                                     Sends its temporary children home.

                                     The taste of youth, sweet and sour,
                                     Blends with the pillar of seasoned salt,
                                     To arch into a concoction of discovery.
                                     But this home of houses and buildings
                                     Too welcomes the patter of pet feet,
                                     Its sighs and growls of challenge,
                                     Planting its proud mantle firm.

                                     The sun rises on the plaid city people,
                                     The rough and tumble, the high and mighty,
                                     All fitting into a weave of humanity,
                                     A harmony to be sung by the goddess
                                     That gives the city its name.
                                     And as the sun sets, life begins anew,
                                     Laughter and heartache pour like ale
                                     Into the myriad mugs of fellowship.

                                     Listen closely and you can hear its music,
                                     Close your eyes and witness its splendor,
                                     Hold out your hand and take its gifts.
                                     But give, too, your own life to its soul
                                     And you will long remember,
                                     When gray and crevasse have long replaced your youth,
                                     The taste of promise that swallows smooth.