THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW

As at sea the eager voyager Thoughtfully from shore to shore, Waves farewell to scenes behind him, Welcomes scenes that rise before; So I stand upon Time’s ocean, And, as from my outer view Fades the old year’s face in glory, Dawns the new in roseate hue. Dear old year, forever loyal, Listen to my thought of thee, All thou hast been, all thou now art Wilt thou be in memory. Summing up my gain and losses, Do I find my gain is more, Wider vision, richer friendships Have been added to my store. Some, who walked with me, have vanished; Yet at memory’s holy shrine Do we meet in sweet communion; Theirs am I, and they are mine. For their influence on my journey Life is sweeter, lighter care, As the violet’s bloom is brighter When the dewdrop sparkles there. Dear Old Year—Lo! thou art vanished, And here, standing in thy place, Is the New Year, full of promise, With the self-same care-free face Thou did’st wear, when first I knew thee. Welcome New Year! Hear my vow: I will trust in all thy future, And will do thy bidding, now. As ye enter with the new year, Young or old, be brave at heart— Life hath need of faithful service, And each soul must bear its part; Sweeter than a nation’s praises For high deeds of valor done Is the simple joy of duty, Is the peace from victory won.