"A Song for New Year's Eve"

by Stephanie Osborn
http://www.stephanie-osborn.com

Today is the last day of 2014. It seems not so very long ago that it was the first day of 2014. I suppose that's a sign that I'm getting old. But I don't feel it, and so let us raise a glass in toast of what has been, and what shall be.

In that vein, here's one of my favorite poems for the day. I've used it before, and I've no doubt I'll use it again. I hope you like it as much as I do.

~~~

A Song for New Year’s Eve

by William Cullen Bryant

 Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay— 

     Stay till the good old year, 

So long companion of our way, 

     Shakes hands, and leaves us here. 

          Oh stay, oh stay, 

One little hour, and then away.

The year, whose hopes were high and strong, 

     Has now no hopes to wake; 

Yet one hour more of jest and song 

     For his familiar sake. 

          Oh stay, oh stay, 

One mirthful hour, and then away.  

The kindly year, his liberal hands 

     Have lavished all his store. 

And shall we turn from where he stands, 

     Because he gives no more? 

          Oh stay, oh stay, 

One grateful hour, and then away.  

Days brightly came and calmly went, 

     While yet he was our guest; 

How cheerfully the week was spent! 

     How sweet the seventh day’s rest! 

          Oh stay, oh stay, 

One golden hour, and then away.  

Dear friends were with us, some who sleep 

     Beneath the coffin-lid: 

What pleasant memories we keep 

     Of all they said and did! 

          Oh stay, oh stay, 

One tender hour, and then away.  

Even while we sing, he smiles his last, 

     And leaves our sphere behind. 

The good old year is with the past; 

     Oh be the new as kind! 

          Oh stay, oh stay, 

One parting strain, and then away.

~~~

And the hours count down...

-Stephanie Osborn
http://www.stephanie-osborn.com