Poems (Cook)/Stanzas for the Season

by Eliza Cook

STANZAS FOR THE SEASON.

Once again, once again,
 Christmas wreaths are twining;
Once again, once again,
 Mistletoe is shining.

Time is marching through the land,
 Deck'd with leaf and berry;
He leads the Old Year in his hand,
 But both the churls are merry.

He speaketh in the clanging bells,
 He shouts at every portal;
GOD speed the tidings that he tells,—
 "Goodwill and peace to mortal."

Gladly welcome shall he be,
 Even though he traces
Silver threads upon our heads
 And wrinkles on our faces.

For once again, once again,
 He brings the happy meeting;
When cynic lips may preach in vain
 That life is sad and fleeting.

Christmas logs should beacon back
 The wanderer from his roving;
Leave, oh leave the world's wide track,
 And join the loved and loving.

Spirits that have dwelt apart,
 Cold with pride and folly;
Bring olive in your hand and heart,
 To weave with Christmas holly.

Breathe a name above the cup,
 And leave no drop remaining;
When Truth and Feeling fill it up,
 'Tis always worth the draining.

Though few and short the flashes are
 That break on Care's dull story;
Yet, like the midnight shooting star,
 Those moments pass in glory.

Then once again, once again,
 We'll tap the humming barrel:
"Goodwill and peace" shall never cease
 To be a wise man's carol.

All, all we love!—a health to those!
 A bumper—who won't fill it?
A health to brave and open foes,
 A bumper!—who would spill it!

And here's to him who guards our right
 Upon the distant billow!
And him who sleeps in watch-fire light
 Upon his knapsack pillow!

If changing fate has frown'd of late,
 And of some joys bereft us,
Still, let us "gang a gleesome gait,"
 And prize the blessings left us.

Wisdom's helmet strapp'd too tight
 Wearies in the bearing;
And Folly's bells on Christmas night
 Are always pleasant wearing.

Then once again, once again,
 Let holly crown each portal;
And echo round the welcome sound—
 "Goodwill and peace to mortal!"