No fragile bloom of unsubstantial hope
The New Year brings,
No random wealth of wishes burdens now
His spirit wings;
He knows full well that cloud and storm befall,
Yet looks, and smiles, and sees beyond them all,
And thus his minstrel sings; –
O friends, your lives have strayed beyond the sun
In other years;
You know the dream in careless joy begun,–
Fulfilled through tears;
I mock you not, for care and grief befall,
I bid you smile and see beyond them all,–
Beyond the hopes and fears!
2013-19