From the Omaha Daily Bee, December 28, 1913. By Richard Linthicum.
A baby smiles in its mother’s face,
There at her breast in a soft embrace—
A life beginning and all to learn;
A mother’s heart that shall leap and yearn,
Teaching the dimpled feet to walk,
Teaching the honeyed mouth to talk!
O Time, make haste for the baby dear
And speed the coming of each New Year!
A youth with the fire and blood of spring
And hope that rises on eager wing,
Thrills at the sight of a maiden’s blush,
Stirring his heart with the first hot flush
Of love requited, that finds its mate
And yet but a little while must wait,
Watches and listens thy step to hear;
O speed thy coming, thou sweet New Year!
In manhood’s prime there is standing one,
And all but his greatest task is done;
Beyond his reach but before his eyes
Greatest of all is the final prize;
Yet but a little he’ll hold it fast,
A year and a day ’twill be his last,
Conquering spirit that knows not fear,
Bidding thee hasten, O brave New Year!
Gray is the crown of a wholesome life
And peace the benison sweet of strife;
An aged man with his strength nigh spent,
With nerves a-tremble, his slight form bent,
Erect in spirit and white of soul,
With steps that falter, is near the goal;
With eyes bedimmed but a faith that’s clear,
He craves but thy rest, O blest New Year!