CHRISTMAS EVE

Our hearts to-night are open wide,

The grudge, the grief, are laid aside:

The path and porch are swept of snow,

The doors unlatched; the hearthstones glow —

No visitor can be denied.

All tender human homes must hide

Some wistfulness beneath their pride:

Compassionate and humble grow

Our hearts to-night.

Let empty chair and cup abide!

Who knows? Some well-remembered stride

May come as once so long ago —

Then welcome, be it friend or foe!

There is no anger can divide

Our hearts to-night.