This is a poem my friend Ken wrote and sent me - i thought it was quite nice and befitting for the new year - happy new year, everyone!

Another leaf has fallen, another season's passed
winds stir up in playful joys of seasons past

Snow may huddle, waters puddle, yet dew slowly forms
in the hearth of the earth and the bounty she adorns

Passions struggle, truth in muddles born of self-devotion
good cheer bleeds in drafts of steeds, near trampled commotion

Yet does the aurora sparkle in December skies;
hope eternal molts its feathers with no thought for why

Every winter bears springs' sisters, tidings of good will
beyond ice is always dew, its soft cocoon to spill

Joy in life renewed and Peace not just for few
may all propser, be as one, every daughter, every son

Ken Ralidis 2005

This is posted in my Org profile, and is not only a beautiful and insightful piece of writing, but the credo with which I try to live my life by:

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrman 1926