THIS YEAR BY PERIE J. LONGO

This year,

like any other, ends with its ups

and downs, like trees, some broken limbs;

some things held together with tape

and glue, yet if we keep unwrapping,

there is the gift shining in its nest of paper;

and sturdy words that hold us up

touching innocence and old strength.

And love. Always love with its soft ways

winging toward our wish for peace everywhere.

(C) Perie J. Long

• Describe the gift shining in the nest of paper. What is the gift of the year 2022 to you? How do you want to take the gift you have been given into your life in 2023?

• What are the sturdy words that hold you up? Perhaps you could write a list poem of words that give you strength, like HONESTY, PEACE, RECIPROCITY, KINDNESS. Then choose one word with particular resonance and turn it into an Alphapoem by writing it vertically down the page, and using each letter to begin a fresh line or word of your poem.

• Begin a poem or journal reflection with the line, “This year, like any other…”

• To listen to why Mary chose this particular poem, this particular year, you can watch the short YouTube video here.