New Year Hymn

GONE another year—

Gone beyond recall;

Gone its smile and tear,

Gone its joy and thrall.

Vain is now lament,

Naught canst thou efface;

Though thou now repent

Naught canst thou erase.

Dawns another year—

Open it aright;

Thou shalt have no fear

In its fading light.

Live that not a stain,

Live that not a deed

May awaken pain,

May erasure need.