Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, NOT A 'MADE-OVER' YEAR, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

NOT A 'MADE-OVER' YEAR, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Edward wears a coat of blue
Last Line: Is the new year truly new.
Subject(s): Holidays; New Year


Edward wears a coat of blue,
Not a thread that isn't new;
Not a wrinkle, not a tear,
Not the smallest stain is there;
How the dandy buttons shine
On that garment superfine,
And how Edward, through and through,
Feels the coat supremely new!

Billy wears a coat of black,
Rather flabby in the back,
Rather shiny on the sleeve,
And -- a grease-spot, I believe.
It is mended, cleaned, and pressed,
And must answer for his best,
Yet, for all his folks can do,
Billy knows it isn't new!

Here, my lassie and my lad,
Is a New Year to be had.
Shall it be a year of black,
Shiny sleeve and wrinkled back,
Here a grim, persistent stain,
There a spot that will remain,
Shabby places half worn through,
Mended up and made to do?

Nay, old Time! with kindly heart
Grant us all a good, fresh start;
Not a grief to carry on
From the twelvemonth that is gone;
Not a hatred, shame, or fear
That can soil the coming year!
Thus alone, for me and you,
Is the New Year truly new.





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