Christmas at Melrose

Words: Leslie Pinckney Hill
Vocal Recording: MP3 / OGG

Source: James Weldon Johnson, ed. (1871-1938).  The Book of American Negro Poetry.  1922.
 Located at Bartleby.com: Christmas at Melrose,
http://www.bartleby.com/269/52.html
Accessed November 16, 2006

COME home with me a little space    
And browse about our ancient place,    
Lay by your wonted troubles here    
And have a turn of Christmas cheer.    
These sober walls of weathered stone
Can tell a romance of their own,    
And these wide rooms of devious line    
Are kindly meant in their design.    
Sometimes the north wind searches through,    
But he shall not be rude to you.
We’ll light a log of generous girth    
For winter comfort, and the mirth    
Of healthy children you shall see    
About a sparkling Christmas tree.    
Eleanor, leader of the fold,
Hermione with heart of gold,    
Elaine with comprehending eyes,    
And two more yet of coddling size,    
Natalie pondering all that’s said,    
And Mary with the cherub head--
All these shall give you sweet content    
And care-destroying merriment,    
While one with true madonna grace    
Moves round the glowing fire-place    
Where father loves to muse aside
And grandma sits in silent pride.    
And you may chafe the wasting oak,    
Or freely pass the kindly joke    
To mix with nuts and home-made cake    
And apples set on coals to bake.
Or some fine carol we will sing    
In honor of the Manger King    
Or hear great Milton’s organ verse    
Or Plato’s dialogue rehearse    
What Socrates with his last breath
Sublimely said of life and death.    
These dear delights we fain would share    
With friend and kinsman everywhere,    
And from our door see them depart    
Each with a little lighter heart.

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