Originally published in The Poet's Magazine (Leonard Lloyd) vol.2 #16 (Dec 1877).
Farewell to the year that is fleeting away,
Farewell to the pains and the pleasures it. brought,
Time's mandate imperious forbids it to stay,
But dying, it lives, in the regions of thought.
To none has the year brought all sorrow and grief,
Without one sweet ray to enliven and cheer;
To many it dawned as a time of relief,
A period of joy in remembrance held dear.
Shall the old be forgotten when new friends arise?
Shall the child-year efface all regard for the old?
No! Welcome the bright babe with hope's beaming eyes,
But dream of the past as a sweet story told.
Ring out the old year, gladly help him along—
Bid him "God-speed" on his journey unknown,
Welcome the new year with faith's joyous song,
That bright beams o'er each one, by him will be thrown.