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Dear Mr. Keillor:

I enjoy getting a daily Writer's Almanac. Thank you.

AS we approach a new year, I thought I would send you the New Year's poem I wrote for a church newsletter back in 2006. It is not copyrighted, so I suppose someone could steal it and claim it as their own, if anyone considers it worthy of claiming. I can tell you I once preached a sermon to a group of other pastors, had one of them like it some much he asked for a copy. In less than a month he had preached it as his own sermon, including a personal story of mine as though it was his. I was both flattered and offended, if that makes sense. Anyway, her is my New Year's poem.

Happy New Year! The greeting proclaims,

It’s out with the old and in with the new.

Pictures of old are now in their frames,

For the year’s journeys have been quite a few.

What lies ahead is uncertain we know,

There’s hope in our hearts, surrounded by fear,

Changes bombard us, forcing us to grow,

The pace increases with each passing year.

Our lives are filled with pleasure and pain.

From birth to death flows the gift of living,

Filled with joy and sorrow and loss and gain,

Peace is found in the wonder of giving.

Faith’s power shines with courage and might.

Hope’s vision sees beauty as always near.

Love’s splendor senses God’s amazing light.

May faith, hope, and love bless you this new year!

Shalom,

Pastor John

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