THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW

As one in sorrow looks upon

The dead face of a loyal friend,

By the dim light of New Year's dawn

I saw the Old Year end.

Upon the pallid features lay

The dear old smile — so warm and bright

Ere thus its cheer had died away

In ashes of delight.

The hands that I had learned to love

With strength of passion half divine,

Were folded now, all heedless of

The emptiness of mine.

The eyes that once had shed their bright

Sweet looks like sunshine, now were dull,

And ever lidded from the light

That made them beautiful.