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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CHRISTMAS LONG AGO by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: COME, SING A HALE HEIGH-HO
Last Line: GUSTS OF KISSES AND SURPRISE.
Subject(s): CHRISTMAS; KISSES; PAST; SINGING & SINGERS; NATIVITY, THE;

COME, sing a hale Heigh-ho
For the Christmas long ago! --
When the old log-cabin homed us
From the night of blinding snow,
Where the rarest joy held reign,
And the chimney roared amain,
With the firelight like a beacon
Through the frosty window-pane.

Ah! the revel and the din
From without and from within,
The blend of distant sleigh-bells
With the plinking violin;
The muffled shrieks and cries --
Then the glowing cheeks and eyes --
The driving storm of greetings,
Gusts of kisses and surprise.



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