First light over the Atlantic Ocean
To the New Year
by W.S. Merwin
With what stillness at last
you appear in the valley
your first sunlight reaching down
to touch the tips of a few
high leaves that do not stir
as though they had not noticed
and did not know you at all
then the voice of a dove calls
from far away in itself
to the hush of the morning
so this is the sound of you
here and now whether or not
anyone hears it this is
where we have come with our age
our knowledge such as it is
and our hopes such as they are
invisible before us
untouched and still possible
I leave you with this poem as we move toward yet another new year. Every new year is a chance to begin again and make a fresh start. But so is every new sunrise and every new moment, as we take each new breath and each new step with a clear beginner’s mind.
I’ll be taking a bit of a blogging break over the next while, but before I go, I want to share a wish with anyone whose eyes land here and all those who have generously encouraged, supported and inspired me as part of my journey of late. I feel a kinship and connection with you from which I draw much strength, and for which I am deeply grateful .
Let 2014 be a year in which we all do more of what brings us joy, lights us up, and makes us come alive in deep acceptance of who we are, so that we then spill over with energy, love and compassion for all creatures and all creation.
Happy New Year!
Sherrygaley.com 
I pray this is a wonderful productive creative year for you my friend.
Beautiful poem and breathtaking image! Wishing you and yours a most joyous New Year!
Gorgeous Sherry, Happy New Year
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A beautiful poem and sentiment for the new year. Wishing you and yours all the best in 2014!
Thank you, Sherry.
Enjoy your break, and Happy New Year to you, my friend.
Amen! Wonderful closing sentiment on a lovely post. Happiest of New Years to you too Sherry
Edith, I can’t wait to see a whole new year’s worth of great images from you. Happy New Year!
Thanks so much Roberta! I will do my best. Wishing you a most creative New Year!
Yes, it does happen once in a while, Cheryl ;-). Thank you so much for your wishes. Your comments — always from the heart — mean a great deal to me. I know you and your adorable brood will have the best of New Years!
Thanks, Dotti. You sparkle and shine every day. Wishing your wonderful family a terrific New Year!
To you as well, my friend!
Thanks, Sherry! I look forward to more of your authentic and resonant writing and art in 2014. Happy New Year!
I appreciate your words, Laurie, as always. Your writing on the natural world — and beautiful images — feed my soul.
Thank YOU, Susan!
Stay well on your journey and keep up with the fabulous photos.
Sherry, Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy New Year.
Oh such a lovely morn…you found the peace that is available to each of us every day if only we rise above all the din and noise.
So you know, I will miss you terribly…but wish you a well deserved break and the best of everything that is written on your heart for 2014….xoxo
That photo is jaw-dropping beautiful! And the poem you chose to accompany it is simply perfect. Happy New Year to all of you on the boat!
Thank you Sherry, and wishing you peace and fulfillment 2014.
I can’t stop looking at that photograph! mmmmmm. The poem is moving with a wonderful message. Wishing you a very Happy New Year Sherry and a lovely blogging break. xo
Wonderful message, Sherry. Enjoy the break, and know that I (and .many others too, I bet) draw much strength from you in return. I love that idea of approaching each moment with a clear beginner’s mind. Wishing you a very happy, creative and fulfilling new year.
Amen…
And thank you…x