The Second City

by Alice Sternenlicht

This is based on Sydney's last thoughts before his final sacrifice, one of the most beautiful and saddest scenes in A Tale of Two Cities. There's not much else to say; it's all in the poem.

The Second City

I was nothing, and nothing am I still.

A sacrifice to give with my last will.

As the faithful cry for death,

So I offer my last breath.

This for her and this for him.

My name forever lives in them.

As my life at last is lost,

I know it is a worthy cost.

This far better, a worthy thing.

Prosperity may I finally bring,

As I sacrifice for my love,

Like last flutters of a dove.

This far better, this final rest

To watch at last a family blessed.

As the bloody deed is done

A joyful life for them is won.

Here in the Second City,

A ruthless place devoid of pity,

As first and last, my only good;

The only thing I know I should.

May this City live, may it survive

Long enough that life may thrive.

As the people rise from the abyss

May they know eternal bliss.