Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A BIRTHDAY GREETING, by M. E. F.


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A BIRTHDAY GREETING, by                    
First Line: What shall I wish thee for the coming year?
Last Line: And, afterwards, the peace of victory won!
Subject(s): Birthdays


WHAT shall I wish thee for the coming year?
Twelve months of dream-like ease? no care? no pain?
Bright spring, calm summer, autumn without rain
Of bitter tears? Wouldst have it thus, my friend?
What lesson, then, were learnt at the year's end?

What shall I wish thee, then? God knoweth well
If I could have my way no shade of woe
Should ever dim thy sunshine; but I know
Strong courage is not learnt in happy sleep,
Nor patience sweet by eyes that never weep.

Ah, would my wishes were of more avail
To keep from thee the many jars of life!
Still let me wish thee courage for the strife, --
The happiness that comes of work well done, --
And, afterwards, the peace of victory won!





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