A New Year 2021

 by Cheryl Merrick

Many are rejoicing today

hoping that the New Year

will bring an end 

to their pandemic woes,

and that the mere turning

of a calendar page

can bring a return 

to our old "normal" life.

During this past year 

some have lost family members,

and we have all felt the longing

to be with those we love

and just give them a hug.

A New Year Begins

by Cheryl Merrick

Brashly announcing its entrance
 with horns and bells,
the New Year soon settles, 
gratefully, back into familiar routine. 

Fading are the sound of bells.
Dimming are the twinkling lights.
With the gifts given and 
the festive meals eaten,
the jovial bustle of the holiday season
quickly dissolves into 
an amiable quietness.

January Has Arrived!

by Cheryl Merrick

Days short - but getting longer
Temperatures cold - but getting warmer

Frivolous holiday trappings
are carefully, but firmly, put back in their boxes.
Gone are the brightly tinkling lights
and the spicy smell of goodies baking.

Instead of basking in the warm glow
of celebration indulgence,
we squint in the glaring spotlight
of reality.

Happy New Year

by Cheryl Merrick


Longing to forgive past hurts
Determined to live by correct principles
Anxious to improve relationships– 
with the Lord, family and friends
Eager to learn new things
Resolved to take better care of myself
Excited to write
Engaged in serving others
Striving for balance
I hope for a Happy New Year

1/1/2014

Light in a Dark World

by Cheryl Merrick

It is the middle of winter;

a time when the days are often gray

and plants are dormant or dead.

Perhaps this is when we need

light and hope the most.

The glittering holidays are over,

and it is now time to face stark reality.

Now is the time to allow the light He brought

to give us hope in our dark world.