Christmas, 1917 Poem by Alec de Candole

TOGETHER we are glad and sing today,
Exulting in the birth of that sweet Child
Who to God's Father-heart has reconciled
Bewildered man, and lit with hope's pure ray.
And promise of endless life, his gloomy way ;
Now sheltered calm, as in some halcyon mild
Retreat from war's black clouds and tempests wild,
This year together we adore and pray.
And if, — if, ere another Christmas dawn.
Death claims me hence, (as well he may, for plain
His path before me), yet my soul reborn
Shall visit you still bound in body's chain;
And after, met beyond, some joyous morn.
We shall share true Christmas mirth together again.