My mother introduced me to Edgar A. Guest as a young girl. She loved his poetry and often quoted parts of his poems to make a point. It served to make an impression on me, first to always try for the “high road” and secondly to learn that a few lines of poetry teach more than morals.

I have always been amazed how a few lines can mean volumes…..how artful words can speak to the heart, the soul and to the person. His words live on and continue to find converts, not only to poetry but to his kind of poetry. My mother always said it was written for the common man.

I came across one of his poems, appropriate for this time of year. I’d like to share it as we come to the close of the first week of 2007.

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

Grant me the strength from day to day
To bear what burdens come my way.
Grant me throughout this bright New Year
More to endure and less to fear.
Help me live that I may be
From spite and petty malice free.
Let me not bitterly complain
When cherished hopes of mine prove vain,
Or spoil with deeds of hate and rage
Some fair tomorrow’s spotless page.
Lord, as the days shall come and go
In courage let me stronger grow.

Lord, as the New Year dawns today
Help me to put my faults away.
Let me be big in little things;
Grant me the joy which friendship brings.
Keep me from selfishness and spite;
Let me be wise in what is right.
A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye.
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I’ve played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year. Edgar A. Guest

I’m thinking of Ellen and Rocky and all who fight cancer and other illnesses, who struggle on to stretch the days they can be with us. God keep them in your care and grant them peace to match their courage. Those of us who love them fight to keep the illness from claiming them…… we all do battle every day. Thank you for the strength and the hope that you alone can give……the peace that passes all understanding.

We are most needy and know that in great distress you make the way clear for your children. We thank you for your mercy and your love that is no longer written on stone but upon our hearts……….Amen.

Until the next time,
Essentially Esther