A Happy New Year.
Away in the east a silver awning,1
And stars grown pale in the gathering light :2
The New Year comes with the day that’s dawning
;3
The Old Year dies with the dying night.4
“ A Happy New Year,” say the children’s voices.5
We smile, and, it may be, smother a sigh.6
“ A Happy New Year”—all the earth rejoices,7
And wherefore, good brother, not you and I ?8
“ Ah ! ” you answer, “ the young remember9
Nought but the sunshine and flowers of May ;10
For us the year has a grim November,11
And many a dark and sorrowful day.”12
What then ? if our eyes are ever turning13
To seek the spot where the shadows hide ;14
Better the children’s faith be learning,15
And look, like them, on the sunny side.16
Only now to our wider vision17
Mirth and woe are a tangled skein :18
We dream no more of a joy elysian,19
Save in the Heaven we hope to gain.20
Yet, thank God, the old earth rejoices,21
Hope can whisper, sweet memories cheer ;22
And, at the sound of our loved ones’ voices,23
We too echo— “ A Happy New Year ! ”24