THE DYING YEAR

(Written the last of 1922, a dark day with continuous rain, and published in the Atlanta Constitution, January 1st, a day of sunshine and life.)

“My time is up,” bemoaned the dying year,

And Nature wept and freely spread her gloom;

“My record past, and I must now make room

For buoyant youth, another still more dear.

Some comfort mine that weep my friends sincere,

Thus easier I may pass into my tomb;

But joyful more to speak a nobler boon