Classic Poem

“Next year, next year,” we say,
—When come to nought
Our plans and projects gay,
—Our bright dreams, fraught

With brighter hopes, that shine
—On that far rim
Of life's horizon line,
—Where dreams lie dim

And touched with morning dew—
—“Next year, next year”;
And while we plan anew
—The days grow sere.

The year flies by, and lo!
—We've left behind
The glory and the glow
—We hoped to find;

And raised again the clew
—We meant to heed—
The cherished plan to do
—Some cherished deed.

“Next year, next year!”
—Oh! why not now,
Delaying soul, this year
—Keep word and vow?

Oh! why not now and here,
—Why not today,
Before another year
—Shall run away?

Keep word and faith, or ere
—An hour's delay,
Make good the promise fair,
—Today , Today !

“Next year, next year,” we say,
—When come to nought
Our plans and projects gay,
—Our bright dreams, fraught

With brighter hopes, that shine
—On that far rim
Of life's horizon line,
—Where dreams lie dim

And touched with morning dew—
—“Next year, next year”;
And while we plan anew
—The days grow sere.

The year flies by, and lo!
—We've left behind
The glory and the glow
—We hoped to find;

And raised again the clew
—We meant to heed—
The cherished plan to do
—Some cherished deed.

“Next year, next year!”
—Oh! why not now,
Delaying soul, this year
—Keep word and vow?

Oh! why not now and here,
—Why not today,
Before another year
—Shall run away?

Keep word and faith, or ere
—An hour's delay,
Make good the promise fair,
—Today , Today !