A SONNET OF THE SEASON

The carol in my heart I send to you:

It comes from out the depths of brooding time

To cheer and bless in every place and clime;

To purge the false, to chasten and subdue;

To lift the drooping life, inspire the true

To nobler deeds and thoughts of love sublime.

This anthem — which I sing in sonnet rhyme —

Judean shepherds heard and angels knew!

And now we fear no longer war's alarms,

For red-eyed Mars has fled at last our home:

Christ took the little children in his arms

And blessed them, saying, Suffer them to come

To me that all the sons of men may find

My kingdom here within the child-like mind.