'BEGIN AGAIN' - A NEW YEAR'S POEM

By Philip Quirke

We rang in the year with song and fireworks,

arms linked in solidarity and a desire for peace.

We have a new stage to take our new year’s turn,

to make the best of what lies ahead.

There is hope in the air, another chance

to play our part and try new things with full hearts.

Begin again from a base of health and comfort,

to see our blessings as the call to service.

Or begin from the rubble of broken dreams

 which scattered  the bricks of your house.

Set to with picks and shovels, rebuild

with hard and honest labour.  But begin.

The evenings lengthen and brighten.

There is still a winter to endure.  We are not

alone.  As sap will soon stir fresh in trees,

the Spirit of God stirs for us, within us,

guards our efforts as we begin again.