Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE OLD YEAR'S BLESSING, by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER Poet's Biography First Line: I am fading from you Last Line: While he crowns my past. Alternate Author Name(s): Berwick, Mary Subject(s): Disease; Future; Happiness; Holidays; New Year; Past; Temptation; Joy; Delight | ||||||||
I AM fading from you, But one draweth near, Called the Angel-guardian Of the coming year. If my gifts and graces Coldly you forget, Let the New-Year's Angel Bless and crown them yet. For we work together; He and I are one: Let him end and perfect All I leave undone. I brought Good Desires, Though as yet but seeds; Let the New-Year make them Blossom into Deeds. I brought Joy to brighten Many happy days; Let the New-Year's Angel Turn it into Praise. If I gave you Sickness, If I brought you Care, Let him make one Patience, And the other Prayer. Where I brought you Sorrow, Through his care, at length, It may rise triumphant Into future Strength. If I brought you Plenty, All wealth's bounteous charms, Shall not the New Angel Turn them into Alms? I gave Health and Leisure, Skill to dream and plan; Let him make them nobler; -- Work for God and Man. If I broke your Idols, Showed you they were dust, Let him turn the Knowledge Into heavenly Trust. If I brought Temptation, Let sin die away Into boundless Pity For all hearts that stray. If your list of Errors Dark and long appears, Let this new-born Monarch Melt them into Tears. May you hold this Angel Dearer than the last, -- So I bless his Future, While he crowns my Past. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE STUDY OF HAPPINESS by KENNETH KOCH SO MUCH HAPPINESS by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE CROWD CONDITIONS by JOHN ASHBERY I WILL NOT BE CLAIMED by MARVIN BELL THE BOOK OF THE DEAD MAN (#21): 1. ABOUT THE DEAD MAN'S HAPPINESS by MARVIN BELL A DOUBTING HEART by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER |
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