Through canyons carved by glass and iron towers that play.
The first two lines of the poem paint a vivid picture of a city dweller navigating through the crowded streets of a bustling city. The phrase "bustling throngs" conveys a sense of constant movement and activity, while the "stride with aim and sway" suggests a determined and purposeful walk. The city is described as having "canyons carved by glass and iron towers that play", which evokes images of tall skyscrapers and the play of light and shadows on their glass facades. This imagery effectively captures the essence of a modern city and sets the stage for the rest of the poem.