OTHER VOICES
A Song for New Year's Eve
by William Cullen Bryant
January 2008
American poet and newspaper
editor (1794-1878)
Stay yet, my friends, a
moment stay—
Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our
way,
Shakes hands, and leaves us here.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One little hour, and then away.
The year, whose hopes were high and
strong,
Has now no hopes to wake;
Yet one hour more of jest and
song
For his familiar sake.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One
mirthful hour, and then away.
The kindly year, his liberal hands
Have lavished all his store.
And shall we turn from where he
stands,
Because he gives no more?
Oh stay, oh stay,
One grateful hour, and then away.
Days brightly came and calmly
went,
While yet he was our guest;
How cheerfully the week was
spent!
How sweet the seventh day's rest!
Oh stay, oh
stay,
One golden hour, and then away.
Dear friends were with us,
some who sleep
Beneath the coffin-lid:
What pleasant memories we
keep
Of all they said and did!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One
tender hour, and then away.
Even while we sing, he smiles his last,
And leaves our sphere behind.
The good old year is with the past;
Oh be the new as kind!
Oh stay, oh stay,
One parting
strain, and then away.