Explore "A Song for Christmas" by George MacDonald on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
I. Hark, in the steeple the dull bell swinging / Over the furrows ill ploughed by Death! / Hark the bird-babble, the loud lark singing! / Hark, from the sky, what the prophet saith!
Hark, in the pines, the free Wind, complaining -- / Moaning, and murmuring, "Life is bare! " / Hark, in the organ, the caught Wind, outstraining, / Jubilant rise in a soaring prayer!
Toll for the burying, sexton tolling! / Sing for the second birth, angel Lark! / Moan, ye poor Pines, with the Past condoling! / Burst out, brave Organ, and kill the Dark!
II. Sit on the ground, and immure thy sorrow; / I will give freedom to mine in song! / Haunt thou the tomb, and deny the morrow; / I will go watch in the dawning long!
For I shall see them, and know their faces -- / Tenderer, sweeter, and shining more; / Clasp the old self in the new embraces; / Gaze through their eyes' wide open door.
Loved ones, I come to you: see my sadness; / I am ashamed -- but you pardon wrong! / Smile the old smile, and my soul's new gladness / Straight will arise in sorrow and song!