Poems (Howard)/Christmas

by Hattie Howard

For works with similar titles, see Christmas.

Christmas.

We reveled in the joy of
 December's greatest boon;
Fair, sunny skies, as cloudless
 And radiant as June.

Like healing balm, the sunshine
 Poured out its softest rays;
While lengthened bits of twilight
 Eked out the shortened days.

Anon, a transformation,
 Revealed by morning light—
And all the earth is covered
 With robes of dazzling white.

We doubt no more that winter,
 That seemed so far away,
Uncertain, long-delaying,
 Has come, and come to stay.

The tender benediction
 That crowns the dying year,
In every heart accords with
 A thought of Christmas cheer.

An ancient custom lighted
 The glowing "yule-log" fire—
Tis ours to add the beauty
 Of holiday attire.

Through gorgeous windows peering
 On gayest festal scenes,
The urchin ponders over
 His slender stock of means.

In huge bazaars, resplendent
 With treasures rich and gay,
Mammas select the presents
 For which papas must pay.

Each home a rich museum,
 Aladdin's palace is;
Its hidden wealth provoking
 Untold anxieties.

'Tis said, "It is more blessed
 To give, than to receive!"
O let us prove the maxim,
 And know what we believe!

"The poor are with you always!"
 He wins a diadem
Who, of his Christmas largesse,
 Reserves a share for them.