This little poem was found in the old newspapers at a time when the arrival of a new governor gave hope to the possibility of prosperity and progress for the Virgin Islands.

Happier Days
1922

“Nineteen-twenty-one’s gone away,
Nineteen-twenty-two’s here to stay,
For a twelve-month, anyway.

May it bring to all and each
Happy Days and pleasant speech.

Bring us love, so we can give it;
Joyous life, and let us live it.

Bring us garlands for our crosses.
Make our gains exceed our losses.

Make our joys obscure our sorrows.
Let weary days breed joyous morrows.

May it turn to faith in our fear,
Bring a smile for every tear,
Be for all a happy year!

Whether this will surely be,
Much depends on you and me.

Love and faith and consistency,
Men from generous deeds distill,
We can have them if we will.
~ Author unknown