He came to my desk with quivering lip;

The lesson was done.

“May I have a new sheet, dear teacher?

I’ve spoiled this one.”

So I took his sheet all spoiled and blotted,

And gave him a new one – all unspotted,

Then into his sad eyes smiled,

“Do better now, my child.”

I came to the Throne with quivering heart;

The old year was done.

“May I have a new year, dear Master?

I’ve spoiled this one.”

So He took my year, all spoiled and blotted,

And gave me a new one – all unspotted,

Then into my sad heart smiled,

“Do better now, my child.”

-Kathleen Wheeler