Christmas (VI)

As tho the homestead trees were drest
In lieu of snow with dancing leaves
As tho the sun dried martins nest
Instead of ickles hung the eaves
The children hail the happy day
As if the snow were Aprils grass
& please as neath the warmth of May
Sport oer the water froze to glass
Thou day of happy sound & mirth
That long with childish memory stays
How blest around the cottage hearth
I met thee in my younger days
Harping with raptures dreaming joys
On presents which thy coming found
The welcome sight of little toys
The Christmas gift of cousins round

(lines 81-96)

'December'

The Shepherd's Calendar (1827)

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