Then and Now

A year is drawing to its close,

Fleet the timely current flows,

Withered leaves and fading rose

Strew Autumn's Grave.

Golden harvest fields are bare

Corn is in the Haggard's care,

Cold poverty is in a snare

Of wire Strong.

The flowery Spuds are gathered,

Winter storms are weathered

Hens are fully feathered

With Plumage Gay.

The cow is feeding on the stubble,

The iron horse is in the stable,

Moonbeams dance upon the gable

And Frosty Air.

Youth has never known to tire,

Dancing is the hearts desire,

Lasses plenty to admire

On side-Board Screen.

If the old folk could return

See creations newly born,

Every custom bent with scorn

In This New Age.

This is how the spirit feels,

Far ahead of feet are wheels,

Who would ever shoulder creels

With Oil To Burn.

Bless all new inventive power,

Let joy take every passing hour,

Still with us are the ragged poor

In Spite Of All.

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