Passing of the Old Year
Mary Weston Fordham (1843-1905) Ah! the year is slowly dying, And the wind in tree-top sighing, Chant his requiem. Thick and fast the leaves are falling, High in air wild birds are calling, Nature’s solemn hymn. In the deep, dark forest lingers, Imprints of his icy fingers, Chill, and dark, and cold. And the little streamlets flowing, Wintry sun so softly glowing, Through the maple’s gold. So, Old Year, gird on your armor, Let not age, nor fear, nor favor, Hurry you along. List! the farewell echoes pealing, List! the midnight hour is stealing, Hark! thy dying song. Say, Old Year, ere yet your death knell Rings from out yon distant church bell, Say, what have you done? Tell of hearts you’ve sadly broken, Tell of love dead and unspoken, Ere your course is run. Tell the mother who doth languish, O’er her graves in silent anguish, She will see again, Blooming bright “beyond the river,” Living on for aye an ever, Every bright-eyed gem. Ah! full many a spirit weary, You have wooed from paths so dreary, Wafted them above. Now they say Old Year, we bless thee Raise thy head, we would caress thee For this home of love. On thy brow lies many a furrow, And thy eyes tell many a sorrow Hath its shadow cast. But thy task is almost ended, Soon the path which thou hast wended, Will be called the “Past.” Then, old dying year we hold thee, To our hearts we fondly fold thee, Ere the midnight bell. Soon thy race will now be ended, With Eternity be blended, So, Old Year, farewell.New Year’s Eve
D. H. Lawrence (1885-1930) There are only two things now, The great black night scooped out And this fire-glow. This fire-glow, the core, And we the two ripe pips That are held in store. Listen, the darkness rings As it circulates round our fire. Take off your things. Your shoulders, your bruised throat! Your breasts, your nakedness! This fiery coat! As the darkness flickers and dips, As the fireflight falls and leaps From your feet to your lips! More Poems @copyright 2025 InterPureInterPure
poems in the public domain Poetry can be a powerful way to express emotions and thoughts. It helps express and process feelings, which contributes to emotional development. In addition, poetry encourages creative thinking and language skills. Moreover, poetry can help us feel connected to others. Reading and writing poems allows us to share experiences and perspectives, which promotes empathy and understanding. And of course poetry can also be a source of comfort and inspiration, especially in difficult times. Two poems are added to the site every month. I would like others to enjoy these poems too. Poetry “sings the language” and connects people.
Passing of the Old Year
Mary Weston Fordham (1843-1905) Ah! the year is slowly dying, And the wind in tree-top sighing, Chant his requiem. Thick and fast the leaves are falling, High in air wild birds are calling, Nature’s solemn hymn. In the deep, dark forest lingers, Imprints of his icy fingers, Chill, and dark, and cold. And the little streamlets flowing, Wintry sun so softly glowing, Through the maple’s gold. So, Old Year, gird on your armor, Let not age, nor fear, nor favor, Hurry you along. List! the farewell echoes pealing, List! the midnight hour is stealing, Hark! thy dying song. Say, Old Year, ere yet your death knell Rings from out yon distant church bell, Say, what have you done? Tell of hearts you’ve sadly broken, Tell of love dead and unspoken, Ere your course is run. Tell the mother who doth languish, O’er her graves in silent anguish, She will see again, Blooming bright “beyond the river,” Living on for aye an ever, Every bright-eyed gem. Ah! full many a spirit weary, You have wooed from paths so dreary, Wafted them above. Now they say Old Year, we bless thee Raise thy head, we would caress thee For this home of love. On thy brow lies many a furrow, And thy eyes tell many a sorrow Hath its shadow cast. But thy task is almost ended, Soon the path which thou hast wended, Will be called the “Past.” Then, old dying year we hold thee, To our hearts we fondly fold thee, Ere the midnight bell. Soon thy race will now be ended, With Eternity be blended, So, Old Year, farewell.New Year’s Eve
D. H. Lawrence (1885-1930) There are only two things now, The great black night scooped out And this fire-glow. This fire-glow, the core, And we the two ripe pips That are held in store. Listen, the darkness rings As it circulates round our fire. Take off your things. Your shoulders, your bruised throat! Your breasts, your nakedness! This fiery coat! As the darkness flickers and dips, As the fireflight falls and leaps From your feet to your lips! More Poems @copyright 2025 InterPureInterPure
poems in the public domain Poetry can be a powerful way to express emotions and thoughts. It helps express and process feelings, which contributes to emotional development. In addition, poetry encourages creative thinking and language skills. Moreover, poetry can help us feel connected to others. Reading and writing poems allows us to share experiences and perspectives, which promotes empathy and understanding. And of course poetry can also be a source of comfort and inspiration, especially in difficult times. Two poems are added to the site every month. I would like others to enjoy these poems too. Poetry “sings the language” and connects people.
