The Parting of the Year

The midnight hour had come. With tearful eyes And sad the Old Year strained I to my breast. For we were loth to part—his lips I pressed All tenderly in answer to his sighs. A generous lover he; to say good-bye Wrung heart and soul, bowed was his head and chilled The hand with gifts and blessings lately filled. ’Twas hard to part—the dear Old Year and I. Lo! as he lingered, came thro’ casement pane A silvery summons echoing far and near. He faltered, trembled, gasped, then thrust atwain The casement, vanished in the starlight clear, No vestige leaving of his happy reign, While hand in hand stood I and the New Year!