I AM fading from you, But one draweth near, Called the Angel-guardian Of the coming year. If my gifts and graces Coldly you forget, Let the New-Year's Angel Bless and crown them yet. For we work together; He and I are one: Let him end and perfect All I leave undone. I brought Good Desires, Though as yet but seeds; Let the New-Year make them Blossom into Deeds. I brought Joy to brighten Many happy days; Let the New-Year's Angel Turn it into Praise. If I gave you Sickness, If I brought you Care, Let him make one Patience, And the other Prayer. Where I brought you Sorrow, Through his care, at length, It may rise triumphant Into future Strength. If I brought you Plenty, All wealth's bounteous charms, Shall not the New Angel Turn them into Alms? I gave Health and Leisure, Skill to dream and plan; Let him make them nobler; -- Work for God and Man. If I broke your Idols, Showed you they were dust, Let him turn the Knowledge Into heavenly Trust. If I brought Temptation, Let sin die away Into boundless Pity For all hearts that stray. If your list of Errors Dark and long appears, Let this new-born Monarch Melt them into Tears. May you hold this Angel Dearer than the last, -- So I bless his Future, While he crowns my Past. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE QUILTING by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE CHURCH OF A DREAM; TO BERNHARD BERENSON by LIONEL PIGOT JOHNSON BURNS by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER FOR MY CHILD by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS WOONE SMILE MWORE by WILLIAM BARNES LOVE IN THE DAWN by WILLIAM ROSE BENET THE AUTHOR'S LAST WORDS TO HIS STUDENTS by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN HINC LACHRIMAE; OR THE AUTHOR TO AURORA: 1 by WILLIAM BOSWORTH |