20 DECEMBER 1879, Page 17

POETRY.

CHRISTMAS ROSES. PALE winter roses, the white ghosts Of our June roses, Last beauty that the Old Year boasts, Ere his reign closes !

I gather you, as farewell gift From parting lover, For ere you fade, his moments swift Will all be over.

Kind ghosts ye are, that trouble not, Nor fright, nor sadden, But wake fond memories half-forgot, And thoughts that gladden.

0 changeless Past ! I would the year Left of lost hours No ghosts that brought more shame or fear, Than these white flowers ! R. I. 0.