ALONE — with one fair star for company,
The loveliest star among the hosts of night,
While the gray tide ebbs with the ebbing light —
I pace along the darkening wintry sea.
Now round the Yule-log and the glittering tree
Twinkling with festive tapers, eyes as bright
Sparkle with Christmas joys and young delight,
As each one gathers with his family.
But I — a waif on earth where’er I roam —
Uprooted with life’s bleeding hopes and fears
From that one heart that was my heart’s sole home
Feel the old pang pierce through the severing years,
And as I think upon the years to come
That fair star trembles through my falling tears.
