Sonnet
Bereft of Spring and Summer's heat far-fled
E'en Autumn's bounty reaped, her fields lain bare
Another year wound down, each green thing dead
So, golds to grey, each hope conceives despair.
The candle gutters in a sodden wind
Great shadows gorged devour yet, all is black;
But soft, a distant fire, laughter of friends
Bring on more lights to keep the gloom aback--
Yule Feast! Sound coronets and strike the harp,
Spread linens crost the boards, fine banquet lay!
We shall not sit and shiver in the dark
But toast the night and cheer it bright as day.
     Pray join your joy with ours but one short night
    And through the year cherish its rich delight.