A New Year’S Wish For Those Who Write

In this time of joy and cheer When we greet the buoyant year, Now, old friends, we cherish you, Bless the dreams you’ve brought to view-- Kindly fancy, happy thought, Visions from the fairies caught, Rhyme and story, song and play, Fantasy for holiday-- All the treasures of your mind Spent to make the world more kind.

While we grope in dark and fog, Flounder onward through the bog, You, serene upon the height, Gambol in the cheery light-- Toss your laughter from the steep, Bringing hope to those who weep. What fair visions brightly gleam Through cloud-rifts! Your dearest dream Clothed in beauty on the peak, Waiting for the Muse to speak.

Here’s our wish at New Year’s time, Faint-expressed in halting rhyme: For the men who dream and write Make the future clear and bright; Thaw the cynic from their heart-- Love and faith are highest Art. Let them picture with their pen Not our manners but our men. Bless them all at New Year’s tide! May their skill and fame abide! And all women--charming, bright-- Grant that they may never write!