Happy New Year Poem by Jim Yerman

I'd like to take a moment, knowing time is often fleeting
To thank the many friends of mine who sent a birthday greeting.

It only goes to prove that a happy life depends
On the comfort and encouragement of family and friends.

A December 31st birthday is unique, and it's one that I hold dear
For it balances on the cusp of one old and one new year.

Perhaps that's why I look for balance in everything I do.
As we greet the new year happily and to the old one bid adieu.

As the new year marches onward of this I have no doubt
We will be faced with good and bad news before the year is out.

We must acknowledge evil in the world, but not let it in the door
Instead it is kindness and beauty we should be looking for.

For every act of war in the world we must strive to find a dove
For every act of terrorism we must find an act of love.

For every word said with prejudice, or animosity, or hate
We must look for words of kindness, words of love, words that elate.

For every act of evil I believe the whole world should
Look for mercy, look for virtue, look for honesty and good.

We must remember with every loss of life no matter your spiritual view
Since we are all connected, a part of us dies too.

So from the cusp of 2016 I have one wish for me and you
It's a wish I hope deep in my heart will one day become true...

That we all find our balance, find our dignity, our grace
That we all rise above the discord to make our wold a better place.

Could it really be that simple...that the world's happiness depends
On every person believing...we are all family...all friends.