“Past and Present I know well; each is a friend and sometimes an enemy to me. But it is the quiet, beckoning Future, an absolute stranger, with whom I have fallen madly in love.” Slaying Dragons
A NEW YEAR’S PLEA
Lord, let me stand in the thick of the fight,
Let me bear what I must without whining;
Grant me the wisdom to do what is right,
Though a thousand false beacons are shining.
Let me be true as the steel of a blade,
Make me bigger than skillful or clever;
Teach me to cling to my best, unafraid,
And harken to false gospels, never.
Let me be brave when the burden is great,
Faithful when wounded by sorrow;
Teach me, when troubled, with patience to wait
The better and brighter to-morrow.
Spare me from hatred and envy and shame,
Open my eyes to life’s beauty;
Let not the glitter of fortune or fame
Blind me to what is my duty.
Let me be true to myself to the end,
Let me stand to my task without whining;
Let me be right as a man, as a friend,
Though a thousand false beacons are shining.
– Edward Guest
Happy New Year
MAY PEACE PREVAIL
♥
REMINDERS:
- The Poet by Day, Wednesday Writing Prompt will return on January 16, 2019.
- Sunday Announcements: Calls for Submissions, Contests, and Other Information and News will return on January 13, 2019
- What would you find pleasant or helpful on The Poet by Day in 2019? What have you found helpful to date? Link HERE to let me know.
ABOUT
Poet and writer, I was once columnist and associate editor of a regional employment publication. I currently run this site, The Poet by Day, an information hub for poets and writers. I am the managing editor of The BeZine published by The Bardo Group Beguines (originally The Bardo Group), a virtual arts collective I founded. I am a weekly contributor to Beguine Again, a site showcasing spiritual writers. My work is featured in a variety of publications and on sites, including: Levure littéraure, Ramingo’s Porch, Vita Brevis Literature,Compass Rose, Connotation Press, The Bar None Group, Salamander Cove, Second Light, I Am Not a Silent Poet, Meta / Phor(e) /Play, and California Woman. My poetry was recently read by Northern California actor Richard Lingua for Poetry Woodshed, Belfast Community Radio. I was featured in a lengthy interview on the Creative Nexus Radio Show where I was dubbed “Poetry Champion.”
The BeZine: Waging the Peace, An Interfaith Exploration featuring Fr. Daniel Sormani, Rev. Benjamin Meyers, and the Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi among others
“What if our religion was each other. If our practice was our life. If prayer, our words. What if the temple was the Earth. If forests were our church. If holy water–the rivers, lakes, and ocean. What if meditation was our relationships. If the teacher was life. If wisdom was self-knowledge. If love was the center of our being.” Ganga White, teacher and exponent of Yoga and founder of White Lotus, a Yoga center and retreat house in Santa Barbara, CA
“Every pair of eyes facing you has probably experienced something you could not endure.” Lucille Clifton
Happy New Year to you, dear Jamie of the Beautiful Poems and other Shining Inspiring Deeds… May 2019 illumine your life even more with cheerful, childlike Fireworks…
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And to you, Bhaga, of all things centered and well-considered, all the best in 2019. May our efforts one day bear the fruit of peace.
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Happy New year! 😊
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Happy New Year, Imelda. I hope all is well with you and yours.
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Needed this to start off the New Year! Thank you!
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I’m glad it “hit the spot” for you, R.K. Thank you for taking the time to say so. Best wishes for 2019.
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‘There are years that ask questions and years that answer’ wrote Zora Neale Hurston.
Welcome to 2019 Happy New Year to You Respected Jamie Ji,
Winter as always is in full swing, weaving a wondrous white spell,held close with muffs and mufflers outside but inside , hot coffee soup and smiles or maybe solitary joys.
Nature seems at peace, so let us embrace peace too and feel grateful. This is the month to dream to look forward to the days ahead and the journey within. Let us share the tapestry of contentment with gratitude,simplicity,order,harmony,beauty and happiness. May Peace Prevail everywhere.amen.
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Amen my treasured friend. ♥️🌹 Love to you and yours.
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Beautiful poem for New Year’s prayer. Wishing you good health, peace within your self and community, and of course, great poetry! Happy New year, Jamie!
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And same to you , Deb. My 2019 be all you dream. Happy new year.
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This New Years Plea is beautiful. The tempo and the fluidity of thought are inspiring. Lovely start! Happy New Year!
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I’m pleased to know you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to say so. Best wishes for 2019 and may it be a productive writing year for you.
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Thank You Jamie for the wisdom and comfort that comes from Edward Guest’s Poem. May this first Day of a brand new year bring us all peace, joy and good friendships. 💜
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And same to you, Jen.
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