Relic of the Conflagration

Relic of the Conflagration 

You had to be really rich to be rich
In the time A.N. Towne was rich in

Vice President and General Manager
Of the Southern Pacific Railroad

Robber baron vibes
Mansion on California and Taylor Streets

I didn’t know the man
But I stand at the portal of his residence

What I thought was a conservative attempt 
To grace Lloyd Lake in Golden Gate Park 

With a piece of monumental architecture
Is the original entranceway 

A relic of the conflagration
Of April 18th, 1906

Obtained through the kindness
Of Mrs. A.N. Towne

Mr. Towne I prefer to believe
You were a decent man

More decent than the President
Of the Southern Pacific Railroad was

Just know that I am not
Raising my fist to knock

At your door of leaves
I am raising my fist