I am the loner of deserted squares

With dismal lamps giving off pale light -

When the bell sounds in the dead of night

I am the loner of deserted squares.

A vile laughter is my comrade, in the shadows

That frighten stray dogs along the gutter;

Under the dismal lamps whose pale rays sputter

A vile laughter is my comrade, in the shadows.

I am the loner of deserted squares

With shadow plays that make for lunacy;

Paling in silence and paralysis, -

I am the loner of deserted squares ...