The present moment's all our own, <br />The next, who ever saw! ~ Mickle. <br /> <br />Come, fill me up a brimming cup, <br />We'll season wine with wit and song; <br />For earthly joy, without alloy, <br />Not often comes, nor tarries long: <br />Unthrift it were, to look for Care, <br />No need hath he Time's wings to borrow; <br />Then, friends, be gay with me to-day, <br />And I'll be wise with you to-morrow! <br />With loved ones near, good friends, good cheer, <br />The fireside glow, and genial heart; <br />Why should we look in Fate's black book, <br />The present moment's mirth to thwart! <br />In green old age, the Christmas Sage, <br />Should never wear a frown or furrow; <br />Then, friends, be gay with me to-day, <br />And I'll be wise with you to-morrow! <br />The cuckoo flies from wintry skies, <br />And seldom fails to find a spring; <br />And, happy bird, is never heard, <br />A single, saddening note to sing! <br />But even if right, in Reason's spite, <br />To fly from joy, and seek for sorrow, <br />Still, friends be gay with me to-day, <br />And I'll be wise with you to-morrow!<br /><br />Alaric Alexander Watts<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-christmas-song-2/
