I. <br /> <br />Hark, in the steeple the dull bell swinging <br />Over the furrows ill ploughed by Death! <br />Hark the bird-babble, the loud lark singing! <br />Hark, from the sky, what the prophet saith! <br /> <br />Hark, in the pines, the free Wind, complaining- <br />Moaning, and murmuring, 'Life is bare!' <br />Hark, in the organ, the caught Wind, outstraining, <br />Jubilant rise in a soaring prayer! <br /> <br />Toll for the burying, sexton tolling! <br />Sing for the second birth, angel Lark! <br />Moan, ye poor Pines, with the Past condoling! <br />Burst out, brave Organ, and kill the Dark! <br /> <br /> <br />II. <br /> <br />Sit on the ground, and immure thy sorrow; <br />I will give freedom to mine in song! <br />Haunt thou the tomb, and deny the morrow; <br />I will go watch in the dawning long! <br /> <br />For I shall see them, and know their faces- <br />Tenderer, sweeter, and shining more; <br />Clasp the old self in the new embraces; <br />Gaze through their eyes' wide open door. <br /> <br />Loved ones, I come to you: see my sadness; <br />I am ashamed-but you pardon wrong! <br />Smile the old smile, and my soul's new gladness <br />Straight will arise in sorrow and song!<br /><br />George MacDonald<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-song-for-christmas/
