I Am the New Year

I AM THE NEW YEAR. I am unused, unspotted, without blemish. I stretch before you three hundred and sixty-five days long. I will present each day in its turn, a new leaf in the book of life for you to place upon it your imprint.

I AM THE NEW YEAR. Each hour of every day, I will give you sixty minutes that have never known the use of man. White and pure I present them. It remains for you to fill them with sixty jeweled seconds of love, hope, endeavor, patience and trust in God.

I AM THE NEW YEAR. I am here – but once past, I can never be recalled. Make me your best!

THE NEW LEAF

He came to my desk with a quivering lip —

The lesson was done,

Dear teacher, may I have a new leaf?

He said, ―I’ve spoiled this one.

I took the old leaf, stained and blotter,

And gave him a new one, all unspotted.

And into his troubled eyes I smiled,

―Do better now, my child.

I came to the Throne with a quivering soul —

The old year was done.

―Dear Master, may I have a New Year?

I said, ―I have spoiled this one.

He took the old year, stained and blotted.

And gave me a new one, all unspotted.

And into my troubled soul He smiled,

―Do better now, my child.