Classic Poem

Forget the old year's sorrows, forget its lonely days,
Forget its toils and hardships, its dark and weary ways;
Brood not o'er blighted prospects, o'er hours with sadness rife—
Look forward to the new year, its hope, its cheer, its life.

A gracious boon this new year, unsoiled by sin or care;
No gem of earth so precious, no spring time morn more fair:
Its worth can ne'er be measured, its charms can ne'er be told;
But free, how free this new year, alike to young and old.

How shall I spend this new year? The answer's quickly given;
“Make each succeeding moment a steppingstone toward heaven;
Reach out thy hand in blessing to suff'ring ones below;
'Twill keep thy cruse from failing, and cause thy heart to glow.

“Send portions to the needy, go share another's grief,
Point upward to the Master, who offers sweet relief;
Sound out the gospel message, win lost ones to the fold—
Thus spent, the joys of new year on earth can ne'er be told.”