NEW YEAR
image of robin sat
on a branch holding a ribbon
on which are words:
A HAPPY
NEW YEAR
TO YOU
A BLITHE AND JOYOUS WELCOME
TO THE BERRIES AND THE LEAVES,
THAT HANG ABOUT OUR HOUSEHOLD
WALLS IN DARK AND RUSTLING SHEAVES:
UP WITH THE HOLLY AND THE BAY,
SET LAUREL ON THE BOARD,
AND LET THE MISTLETOE LOOK DOWN
WHILE PLEDGING DRAUGHTS ARE POUR'D.
BUT THERE MUST BE SOME HALLOW'D
BLOOM TO GARLAND WITH THE REST,
ALL, ALL MUST BRING TOWARD THE WREATH
SOME FLOWERS IN THE BREAST;
FOR THOUGH GREEN BOUGHS MAY THICKLY
GRACE LOW ROOF OR PALACE DOME:
WARM HEARTS ALONE WILL TRULY SERVE
TO DECK A CHRISTMAS HOME.
ELIZA COOK