Decorating The Old Church.

    Gray old gardener, what do you bring?
    "Laurel and ivy and bay,
    With palms for the crowning of a King -
    The morrow is Christmas Day.

    "Holly with thorns, and berries like blood
    On its shiny greenness flung.
    O the piercèd side, and the thorny crown,
    And the cross whereon He hung!

    "The mistletoe, meaning All-healing,
    Hangs close to the holly's thorn,
    Lest we forget that on Christmas Day
    The Healer of Souls was born.

    "Ivy's for faith; on the altar rail
    Let it creep where all may see;
    It crept till it kissed a cheek so pale
    That night in Gethsemane.

    "Bay's for remembrance, full and sweet;
    It speaks with its fragrant breath
    Of manger and cross and a lowly tomb,
    And a love that conquered death.

    "And laurel leaves for the wreath I bring,
    The laurel for victory,
    And palms for the crowning of a King -
    The morrow is Christmas Day."

Jean Blewett

Jean Blewett

Jean Blewett was a Canadian author, journalist, and poet. Born in Scotia, Ontario, she became well-known for her poetry and was awarded the part of lyrical poet at the World’s Fair in Chicago, 1893. Her notable works were often published in literary magazines. Besides poetry, Blewett also wrote stories and worked as a journalist, gaining considerable respect in both fields. She passed away in Chatham, Ontario, in 1934. Her legacy remains a significant part of Canadian literary history.

Jean Blewett

English

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