The ''New Year'' Poem by John Critchley Prince

The poet sings of many things
In lands, and seas, and skies,
As Fancy's many-coloured wings
Flutter before his eyes;
But I, who love the tuneful throng,
And hold the Muses dear,
Offer an unpretending song
To hail the Glad New Year.

Again has come the festive time,
Which holds us in control,
Morn of a mystery sublime
Linked with the human soul;
We serve with hospitable care
Our daintiest Christmas cheer,
Grow free and friendly, and prepare
To hail the Glad New Year.

Now is the season to forgive
The wayward and unkind,
Let the heart's best emotions live
To purify the mind;
To let the memory retrace
Our fitful past career,
To look the future in the face,
And hail the Glad New Year.

Sorrows and losses we have borne,
Been baffled and dismayed,
And felt the prick of many a thorn
By our own follies made;
But hope and effort may improve
What now seems most severe,
If we begin with earnest love,
And hail the Glad New Year.

Let us be thankful that God's power
Has spared us yet awhile,
Strive to enjoy the present hour,
And make the future smile;
Let us with charity and peace
Make life more calm and clear,
Pray that discordant things may cease,
As dawns the Glad New Year.

The sad old year is waning fast,
And we are fading too,
But let our minds not stand aghast
At what remains to do;
Good will to all! may joy prevail
In homes both far and near,
And hope inspire us as we hail
The gracious, Glad New Year.