CHRISTMAS DAYS GONE BY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9115, 21 December 1907, Page 2

CHRISTMAS DAYS GONE BY.

Tho Christmas dayß o* long ago, remembered ) with a sigh, Have left a sweetness in my heart that never passes by ; The flakes of many winters' snows have lingered en my brow, But I'm a happy child again, at Christmas, even now. For years are but the leaves we turn, life's story written through, And on "them many pictures glow, with radiance ever new: The sad ones we will pass to-night and choose alone the gay; And here's the brightest one of all — a childhood's Christmas Bay. I see the farmhouse 'n&ath the hill, just as it used to be; Its eloping roof is just the same aa when it sheltered me; There is iho pathway to the barn where I the cattle, fed— Again I seem to hear them call, expectant at my tread. And there's the froze* mill-pond, like a mirror set in white, Reflecting back the splendours of the starcrowned winter's night; And just a little space beyond the quiet woodland way Whore once a year we unight the tree to trim for Christmas Day. How gaily then, on Christmas Eve, we hung our etookings high Together by the chimneyside, for Santa Claus to spy; And then we scampered off to bed, determined -watch to keep, But, wondering and wishing still, at last to ' fall asleep. And when the easly morning oame— no joy my heart may know More sweet than finding what -was hid down in the stocking's toe; For oh, the pleasures of the years, how soon they pass away, And few retain their sweetness like the oldtime Christmas Day. Oh, children, greet the Christmas time with laughter and delight, Bejoice around your glowing tree, let all your thoughts be bright; Give others of your happiness, let Charity so mild Within your hearts ha messengers from One "Who was a child. Write on the passing leaves of life sweet memories of love, And sometimes they will whisper peace, like angels from above; For when the hand of Time its snow upon your forehead lays, You'll turn those pages back, and think of old-time Christmas Days.