Classic Poem

Time was when holly, evergreen
And bright red berry,
Were holy, age-old tokens,
Of abundant yule-tide cheer.
When carols echoed and re-echoed
The immortal message
Of " peace on earth, " good-will,
To all mankind.

And now, these precious symbols,
Are shorn of sacred meaning,
They are but feeble gestures
Revealing man's descent
From lofty faith and purpose
From love to brother-man,
To unholy planes of selfishness,
And worthless gain.