Welcome, New Year, but be more kind Than thy dead father left behind; If I may kiss no mouth that's red, Give me the open mouth instead Of a black bottle of old wine To gurgle in its neck and mine. Let not my belly once complain For want of meat, or fruit, or grain; But keep it always tight and quiet -- No matter if with drink or diet. And, New Year, may I never need In vain a pipeful of strong weed, That sends my baby clouds on high To join big brothers in the sky. No gold I ask, but that I may Have some small silver every day. Not for one night let sleep forsake My side, and show the Morning break; Let me not hear Time's strokes in bed, And feel the pain of one thought dead, Who hears the earth cast in his grave. I care not what poor clothes I have; I'll only think it shame and sin To show my naked thigh or shin When the wind blows. Give me, New Year, Tobacco, bread and meat, and beer. Also a few old books, so I Can read about an age gone by; But as for how the present goes -- I'll thank the Lord the Devil knows. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WINTER NIGHT SONG by SARA TEASDALE ROBERT FROST RELATES THE DEATH OF THE TIRED MAN by LOUIS UNTERMEYER SOMEBODY'S DARLING by MARIE LA CONTE A FATHER OF WOMEN: AD SOROREM E. B. by ALICE MEYNELL TACT by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON THE APPROACH OF LOVE by LOUIS ARAGON GREENES FUNERALLS: SONNET 12 by RICHARD BARNFIELD |