Lessons for a New Year

I am still learning
About this thing we call life and how it works
And how we keep time here on this earth

How do we mark heaven here below
And find its mercy in our melancholy?
How do we bring it down to our hearts
And keep it there the whole year through
I do not know, do you?

How do we keep memories from slipping out to sea
And people from sailing off to destiny?
How do we tell who can hold us without hurting
Who can love us without leaving
I do not know, do you?

How do we keep pace with change, outrun fear
And never forget why we are here?
How do we fan the flames of the future
And stoke the fires of yesterday
I do not know, do you?

I am still learning
About this thing we call life and how it works
And how we keep time here on this earth

But as the year turns over and brings us a new one
I am quite certain indeed that I shall stay,
And learn, and know, and teach.

What does this new year hold for you?

Image via Julie Holder