Edward wears a coat of blue, Not a thread that isn't new; Not a wrinkle, not a tear, Not the smallest stain is there; How the dandy buttons shine On that garment superfine, And how Edward, through and through, Feels the coat supremely new! Billy wears a coat of black, Rather flabby in the back, Rather shiny on the sleeve, And -- a grease-spot, I believe. It is mended, cleaned, and pressed, And must answer for his best, Yet, for all his folks can do, Billy knows it isn't new! Here, my lassie and my lad, Is a New Year to be had. Shall it be a year of black, Shiny sleeve and wrinkled back, Here a grim, persistent stain, There a spot that will remain, Shabby places half worn through, Mended up and made to do? Nay, old Time! with kindly heart Grant us all a good, fresh start; Not a grief to carry on From the twelvemonth that is gone; Not a hatred, shame, or fear That can soil the coming year! Thus alone, for me and you, Is the New Year truly new. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE SITTING by CECIL DAY LEWIS KEEPING UP WITH THE SIGNS by MADELINE DEFREES JAWEH AND ALLAH BATTLE by ALLEN GINSBERG MEMORY by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE OCTOROON by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON ITALIAN PICTURES: JULY IN VALLOMBROSA by MINA LOY DISMAL MOMENT PASSING by CLARENCE MAJOR |