December

Hoar Time about the house betakes him slow,

Seeking an entry for his weariness.

And in that dreadful company

And the sad night with silent footsteps go.

On my poor fire the brands are scarce aglow,

And in the woods without what memories

Where, waning in the trees from less to less,

Mysterious hangs the hornéd moon and low.

For now December, full of agéd care,

Comes in upon the year and weakly grieves;

Mumbling his lost desires and his despair; .

And with mad trembling hand still interweaves,

The dank sear flower-stalks tangled in his hair,

While round about him whirl the rotten leaves.