The Poetical Works of Jonathan E. Hoag/On a Poet's Ninety-first Birthday
On a Poet's Ninety-First Birthday
(To Jonathan Hoag, Esq., February 10, 1922)
Blessings on thy natal day,Lighter of the lengthened way!Gorgeous by thy brother sun,As thou turnest ninety-one!
Kindled in a happier time,Burneth still thy torch sublime,Destin'd for our joy to saveAll that former ages gave.
Pure as crystal is the light;Restful to the weary sight;Would that all the world might shine,Scriba, with such rays as thine;
Long hath been thy fulgent course,Leading beauty from the source;Grateful bow'rs their praise declare,Sweeter for thy passing there.
And as now the years increase,May thy beaming never cease;Let the gold of evening glowLike the morn of long ago!
Happy he whose eye may scanSuch a full, benignant span;Years of song thou strew'st behind,Like gay blossoms in the wind.
Youth and grace attend thy tread,Fresh bays deck thy silver'd head;Nor can springtime's note departFrom the tune within thy heart.
So as stars of evening holdAll the deep'ning sunset's gold;Thou thy path mayst e'er prolong,Vital in thy shining song!H. P. Lovecraft.