THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW

As one in sorrow looks upon The dead face of a loyal friend, By the dim light of New Year's dawn I saw the Old Year end.

Upon the pallid features lay The dear old smile—so warm and bright Ere thus its cheer had died away In ashes of delight.

The hands that I had learned to love With strength of passion half divine, Were folded now, all heedless of The emptiness of mine.

The eyes that once had shed their bright Sweet looks like sunshine, now were dull, And ever lidded from the light That made them beautiful.