English poem
A Ballade of Old Presents
by Anne O'Hagan (1869–1933)
THE mouchoir-case, lace-trimmed, beflecked 1With pink rosettes or azure bows; The shaving-pad, its cover decked 1With mottoes, thoughtful or jocose; The slippers, on whose velvet toes 1Forget-me-nots and heartsease rear Suggestive heads—where, where are those? 1Where are the gifts of yesteryear?
The smoking-jacket, "chic, select," 1The cushion labeled " sweet repose" (How oft has its protuberance checked 1An idle youth's desire to doze!) Silk, scented "hangers," rows on rows; 1Shoe-bags and travelers' toilet-gear, And "daily thoughts" in rime and prose— 1Where are the gifts of yesteryear?
The quilted muffler, to protect 1A manly chest against the snows; Suspenders—painted!—for the Elect, 1And collar-bags for lesser beaus— Are these but dust the sad wind blows 1To cosmic voids beyond our sphere? Oh, ye who wrought them, which maid knows 1Where are the gifts of yesteryear?
8ENVOY Princess, or nymph less grandiose, 1Prithee refrain, though men be dear, From Yuletide toil till they disclose 1Where are the gifts of yesteryear!