New Horizons

Never was there path our childhood used to roam So long it led not in the evening home;

Nor could the magic of the unknown track Prevail against the hearth that called us back.

Over the same hill-tops, wild-rose or grey, Our evening and our twilight always lay;

And when the night fell all the unknown stars Grew homely shining through our window bars.

Now we have fared to the country o’er the hill, And unknown journeys lie beyond us still;--

Ways unadventured, countless paths to roam, But none that leads us in the evening home.

Onward, not homeward, some adventure calls With every dawn, and every evening falls

Over new horizons, wild-rose or grey, And old stars shining on the unknown way

Strange look and far, not those we saw of old Safe moored in haven skies above our fold.