Poems (Blake)/The Two Guests
THE TWO GUESTS.
Outside December's frozen gatesA 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 spellThe message of his mute farewell;
The other, friendly heart and handShall hail with welcome through the land.
———
O Parting Guest! Pause yet awhileAnd teach thy pallid lips to smile,
For half the New Year's shining graceShould 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 shineLit by the soul and strength of thine.
O Coming Guest! Upon thy faceLet tender sadness find a place;
For half the old year's weight of careWill cloud thy brow and blanch thy hair;
The grief that crushed his broken willMust 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 fondO Year! to seek the land beyond.
Rise from thy newer realm of blissO Year! and bring fresh hopes to this!
While we send up from thankful breastsGod speed and love to both our guests.