Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Good-by, old year! I can but say
Last Line: "for much, I ween, they have yet to do!"
Subject(s): Holidays; New Year


GOOD-BY, Old Year! I can but say,
Sadly I see thee passing away;
Passing away with the hopes and fears,
The bliss and pain, the smiles and tears,
That come to us all in all the years.

Good-by, Old Year! Little indeed
Thy friendly voice we were wont to heed,
Telling us, warning us every day: --
"Transient mortals! work and pray;
You, like me, are passing away!"

Good-by, Old Year! Whatever may be
The sins and stains thou hast chanced to see,
Consider, O Year! to purge the same,
And wash away the sin and shame,
Whilst thou wert passing, CHRISTMAS came!

Good-by, Old Year! With words of grace
Leave us to him who takes thy place;
And say, Old Year, unto the New,
"Kindly, carefully, carry them through,
For much, I ween, they have yet to do!"





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