Anticipation

Anticipation

(A New Year's Poem)

As when the sun upon his westward course

Tarries a moment to smile upon the earth, —

The old year takes reluctantly his leave,

With backward glance, ere dawns the New Year's birth

In arms of morn.

And he, the new, e'en as the infant child,

Holds hidden promise that but time can show.

Shall he whose advent bids man hope anew,

More stern of visage and more austere grow?

And like his sire paternal, will he pass

In war to rest?

Unto the old, a calm farewell we voice.

Though lessons of the new we yet must scan,

We welcome him. All hail! the greeting glad;

Mayhap he brings the priceless gifts to man:

Peace, brotherhood.

Grace Ingles Frost.