The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
 | X. |
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| XI. |
 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
33
XII. A CHRISTMAS CARD
I
A Christmas Card! A small slight common message merely.And yet it makes as though the summer sun shone clearly
Across the wintry track
Just now so gaunt and black!
II
A little thing can change the current of our dreamingAnd change the grey wan waves to azure waters gleaming,
Make all our spirits sing;
Yes,—just one little thing!
34
III
A little thing gives Life. A little thing brings pain.A touch upon the heart,—and song speaks not again.
Another touch, and lo!
Forth the song-waters flow.
IV
A thrill along the heart: a kiss upon the cheek:And out the ripples gush,—and the mute cravings speak.
Woman can kill or save;
Can build or burst a grave.
V
A glance from eyes to eyes: a pressure of the hand:And flowers fill all the paths, and sunlight fills the land.
A woman's word can bring,
In mid-December, Spring.
VI
In mid-December, May; or winter in mid-June:And in the darkest night the magic of full moon.
A woman's glance or kiss
Can more than compass this!
Christmas Day, 1882.
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |