JANUARY.
The trees all bare and leafless.
The winds so piercing blow:
The waters too are frozen,
And earth is wrapt in snow.
A thousand wishes passing,
Greetings from friend to friend:
Youths, maids are gaily singing,
The Old Year's cares at end.
Good bye to trials and sorrow,
To all that is dark and drear:
This is time for rejoicing,
First month of a glad New Year.
Another year in life begun,
'Tis thus the time glides by,
Hast'ning on to the realms above,
To that home beyond the sky.
F. O. H.