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The City By the Bay

Do you remember that city by the bay?
With streets that shined like gold
even on a cold wind day?
although some would not recall or be so bold 

Do you remember that city by the bay?
the sea would rise, with a rising tide 
that even the fish had deep secrets to say 
and the seagulls would fly with pride 

Do you remember that city by the bay?
The lanes crowded with people 
though sadly they had nothing to say
and the tallest building was not a steeple 

Do you remember that city by the bay?
something wicked came around the bend 
caused the people to speak and to pray 
of their wealth none could help but spend 

Do you remember that city by the bay?
it came upon that christmas night 
of course mocking could never pay 
the intensity and serenity of their fright 

I do remember the city, with a sigh 
gone it is now, faded with time 
broke the pact, infected with malady 
silence overtook, not even a rhyme 

I do remember the city, with a sigh 
the streets were cracked and dulled 
filled with thousands of screams on high 
and the great buildings were crushed and pulled 

I do remember the city, with a sigh 
no secrets told by fish again 
no seagulls echoing cry 
can ever be seen or regain 

I do remember the city, with a sigh 
it was the great ship that came to the bay
loaded with biscuits, brandy and pie 
though no one had seen them, none could say 

I do remember that city, with a sigh 
the rightful owners retuned with a vengeance 
taking them all day, to die 
the great compass used for guidance 

What is now the city by the bay?
its splendor was swindled by the old
of its former glory, none can say
that is at least what is told 

What is now the city by the bay?
The streets lie empty, echoes are many 
the roads of gold, now appear ashen gray 
and the cracked gargoyles look angry 

What is now the city by the bay 
a hope, a purpose, a glory 
a debt that must pay 
a sin that was due, however friendly 

What is now the city by the bay?
the rightful owner must be remembered 
a reminder to all who build this day 
or else face the wrath and angered

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