THE TWO GUESTS

by: Mary Elizabeth Blake (1840-1907)

UTSIDE December's frozen gates

A blithe new-comer stands and waits;




While one, with gray beard on his chin,

Sits robed in pilgrim garb within.




One bright with hope and life's fresh grace,

With youth's glad sunshine on his face;




One grave and sad with sombre air,

Which knows the weight of grief and care.




One sadly waits, till time shall spell

The message of his mute farewell;




The other, friendly heart and hand

Shall hail with welcome through the land.

* * *

O Parting Guest! Pause yet awhile

And teach thy pallid lips to smile,




For half the New Year's shining grace

Should deck thy form and light thy face;




Within his golden summer hours,

Thy seed will bloom in fruit and flowers,




And half his glow of life will shine

Lit by the soul and strength of thine.




O Coming Guest! Upon thy face

Let tender sadness find a place;




For half the old year's weight of care

Will cloud thy brow and blanch thy hair;




The grief that crushed his broken will

Must cloud thy heaven of gladness still,




And every pang his soul hath known,

Will flash through time to pierce thine own.

* * *

Fade with thy freight of memories fond

O Year! to seek the land beyond.




Rise from thy newer realm of bliss

O Year! and bring fresh hopes to this!




While we send up from thankful breasts

God speed and love to both our guests.

• Purchase poetry by women