Does the bay still sparkle in the noon ripe sun,
And the fog still surround the golden gate?
Is Fisherman’s Wharf still geared up for fun
And tie-dye clothes the preserve of the Haight?
Do cable cars still crest the hills so free;
And Alcatraz lighthouse blink through the clouds?
Do Muni cars still reek of pot and pee,
And bison in the park still shun the crowds?
Do men still strut the Castro in the nude,
And will the umpire still shout“let’s play ball”?
Will Blue Arrows at Fleet Week still be viewed;
And sea lions still have tourists in their thrall?
So long since I have seen these with my eyes,
But still I believe the phoenix will soon rise.
Tony Quarrington 