Poems (Crandall)/December

by Rosa Neil Crandall

For works with similar titles, see December.

December

December comes thro' drifting snows;Down the crystal path, where the streamlet flows;Past the moaning pines, where the North wind blows;Past naked trees; when the sunlight glowsA fleeting smile youth's hopes bespeaks.Some gentle maiden is't he seeksTo kiss the chill from his icy cheeks?Strange lover, bleak        December.

And must his search, alas, be vain?His voice grows sharper in its pain,Youth's fleeting smile is gone again.Forsaken, wild, unhappy swainWith neither youth nor beauty blest,Oh why keep up the fruitless quest?Hope must be strong within thy breastTrue-hearted, brave        December.

At last a wonderous change we trace;His grief to radiant joy gives place,See now what glory lights his face,She comes, she comes, with sweetest grace;The Spirit of the Christmastide,Behold she comes, December's bride,Companion spirit-gentle guideMost happy, blest        December.

The wedding chime rings on the air,He leads her to the alter fair,Her name is Peace, her smile so rareCan banish every thought of care.Her tender glance his heart can cheer,He seems no longer cold and drear,His merry laughter, now I hear;Light-hearted, gay        December.

Ring Christmas bells, the echoes wake;The joyous feast, let all partake.We love thee for thy dear one's sake,We hail thee, glad        December.