Back Aa

By the Sea, and Other Verses

Close

<h2>AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR</h2> <div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> Neighbor, neighbor, prithee stay; Wherefore hasten on thy way? Give a moment's heed to me, I would ask a thing of thee. </div> <div class="stanza"> Neighbor, days and months have fled, Seasons one by one have sped, And to-night I greet thee here At the passing of the year. </div> <div class="stanza"> 'Tis the time of reckoning now, Of new resolves and annual vow; Time of straightening ugly crooks, And careful balancing of books. </div> <div class="stanza"> Pardon if I now demand How accounts of thine may stand; Hast thou rendered, fair and true, Unto every man his due? </div> <div class="stanza"> Hast thou given timely heed To thy poorer brother's need? Hath thy strong arm been a stay To the weaker on the way? </div> <div class="stanza"> When didst thou a joy impart To thy sister, sad at heart! When didst thou her grief beguile With the sunshine of thy smile? </div> <div class="stanza"> When the heavy-laden came [Pg 15] Didst thou breathe a Saviour's name? When temptations fierce did prove Didst thou whisper of His love? </div> <div class="stanza"> When hosts of evil have assailed, And against the right prevailed, Hast thou still undaunted stood Pleading for the pure and good? </div> <div class="stanza"> When—but neighbor, this is strange! While I question comes a change: All that I have asked of thee Comes for answer back to me. </div> <div class="stanza"> Comes, against my wish and will, Comes and sets my heart a-thrill; Comes with terrors of the law, Filling me with fear and awe. </div> <div class="stanza"> Strange transition! Can it mean?— The marvel of this shifting scene— Yes, I read the mystery now. Neighbor, mine own soul art thou. </div> <div class="stanza"> Now, my soul, 'tis thine to say How the record stands to-day Give account of loss or gain, Talent used or spent in vain. </div> <div class="stanza"> All unwitting how they sped I my listed queries read; Raised the duty-standard high, [Pg 16] Challenged measurement thereby. </div> <div class="stanza"> While I queried came a change, Silent, solemn, passing strange;— Neighbor glided into mist, Soul and self were keeping tryst. </div> <div class="stanza"> And the queries come anew: Soul of mine, be brave and true; Lo! our books we balance now; I have questioned; answer thou. </div> </div> <hr class="chap" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

1 of 2

2 of 2