Classic Poem

Long years ago, when love was lord of me
And all good gifts were in the impending year,
At this same hour I heard afar and near
These New Year bells flood heaven with melody;
I, home bound through the snow, as over sea
Voices of dear friends hail the mariner
Returning prosperous: till in their rear
Saint Paul's great voice made lesser voices flee.

What mattered then beneath those hopeful bells
The homeward walk by weary fortune given,
The obscure future whersoever driven,
In years to come; all lost in those sweet knells
High overhead, like messages from heaven.