Christmas Even

Alone--with one fair star for company, The loveliest star among the hosts of night, While the grey tide ebbs with the ebbing light-- I pace along the darkening wintry sea. Now round the yule-log and the glittering tree Twinkling with festive tapers, eyes as bright Sparkle with Christmas joys and young delight, As each one gathers to his family. But I--a waif on earth where'er I roam-- Uprooted with life's bleeding hopes and fears From that one heart that was my heart's sole home, Feel the old pang pierce through the severing years, And as I think upon the years to come That fair star trembles through my falling tears.