In going through old files today, I came across this poem I wrote on New Year’s Day, 1954. I was a gangly young teenager at the time, and spent a lot of time living in my head. I had recently attended a Billy Graham Crusade, and I was aware of ways I failed God. That was also the year when I first read the Bible all the way through. I am quite sure this is the first poem I wrote.
Dear God, I ask for nothing more
Than for a change in fifty-four:
My failures of the past to be
All made right ‘tween You and me.
I’ll start anew with aims so high
And soar as birds up in the sky,
There leave behind flawed past of mine.
That some would say was rightly Thine.
May I each start this year anew
And ask God’s help to see me through.
I pray as I enter New Year’s door,
To live for God in Fifty-four.
What a priceless find! I really like the way you made your resolution via a poem. You sound like you were a very thoughtful person.
How special to have something that was written then – and it’s still fresh!
Thanks. I am going through old, very old! papers. I wonder what I will find next?