JANUARY

Now Time the harvester surveys

His sorry crops of yesterdays;

Of trampled hopes and reaped regrets,

And for another harvest whets

His ancient scythe, eying the while

The budding year with cynic smile.

Well, let him smile; in snug retreat

I fill my pipe with honeyed sweet,

Whose incense wafted from the bowl

Shall make warm sunshine in my soul,

And conjure mid the fragrant haze

Fair memories of other days.