1890.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 436, 11 January 1890, Page 4

1890.

WHAT WILL IT BE i There are times I know when we tire and fret At the sweets of life, if they cling too low'; So the world must tire—though loth to fqrget A Christmas lay, or a New Year's song. The world is full—ay, up to the brim, Liko a goblet o’erruumng with posy wine; And he ita chant or a sacred hymn, The world won’t list—though it’s half divine So I’ll go outside of the beaten track, And say some words in my own quaint way; And let the masters go long years back. For the theme and the song of " New Year’s Day.” For my harp’s my own, and the time is rife With darkling clouds that may burst e’er long With blood-stained records of wanton strife— So this shall be my New Year’s song. Come, ye who are wise; give heed I pray, For to night is the last of a wanton year. And to-moirow shall.come the brightest day That may dawn in the days that arc far or near. Jt comes with the blush of tho Opal East, It comes with a rush of joy to the earth. Jt comes with love to the great and the laast; Come, then, yc wise, and rctioice at its birth, The world is fair. Who shall say it’s foul ? ’Tis the apes of earth and the idle drones Who mar this world, and strut and howl Of “ right divine ’’and their “sacred thrones.” But Labour shall laugh, and claim the iand, And plough and sow, and reap the corn ; And Wealth shall reach out her willing hand, If she meets aright this year new born ! Thus labour and wealth shall rear a throne Where now is a gulf of hate and pride, And men shall laugli in a world their own, The one shall guard, the one shall guide. Then haste to meet, to embrace and greet, This New-born Year so the days be well; Or put on armour and rush to meet Revolt, that may make this land a hell. . ’Tis the eve of the year. O, pray to the Wise That He lead aright, for the days are sad; And men may look to far-away skies. But look to the earth and make it glad! Take your brother’s hand and clasp it tight, And trust in God and have no fear; For, just as you work in the wrong or the right, Shall jt be a sad or a glad New Year. JY, R. Will?. EJccembpr §lst f 18§9.