Poems (David)/To a dear friend at Worthing

by Edith Mary David

TO A DEAR FRIEND IN WORTHING.

THE old year wanes, oh, let it die
 With all its trouble and its care,
A deathless name on history's page
 Its mem'ries for us did prepare.
Watch and pray when another year
 Is born to mark our narrow way;—
Oh! who amidst each thoughtless band
 May see another Christmas Day?

Bury the faults with the fading year,
 Usher in a happier time;
Forget the past so false, untrue,
 Remember justice, love divine;
Tread the paths of hope eternal,
 Be watching ever, think and pray;—
Pilgrims of faith ye, speeding onward
 To an endless Christmas Day.

Oh! bury all this world hath placed-—
 Of griefs and tears around us ranged;
Think not of them save as battles
 Into bright deathless garlands changed.
Bright angels ever watch around,
 And hover o'er us while we pray;
Be assured they stoop and bless us
 The hallow'd night of Christmas Day!