Happy New Year 2026!

 

Happy New Year to all who love the arts! This month I will be preparing for two art shows in February.

 

So, in the meantime, here are a few poems to contemplate and perhaps encourage you to add more poetry to your life. 

 

The Door of Poetry  

The door of poetry swings open

As if pushed by great and passionate arms.

 

Why the doors to love, poetry and art were closed

I have few reasons; some I know of.

 

Here are a few:

      My heart was broken—really broken.

      By God or the other I honestly cannot say.

 

      My heart was shuttered—dark and gloomy

      By a myriad of disappointments—not all Eros.

 

      My heart was afraid—an ancient tradition of mine.

      Afraid of enjoying life and not being able

                  To find contentment.

 

The door of poetry is open again

      Pushed in by great and compassionate arms.

 

Why the doors to love, poetry and art will remain open

I have a few reasons, some I know of.

 

Here are a few:

      My heart is mended, with telling scars

      By God and time I know for certain.

 

      My heart is filled with light—warm and tender

      By a myriad of content moments—all His love.

 

      My heart is not afraid—

ancient traditions permitted by death—

Have given room for life’s enjoyment and

      True contentment.

 

 

Poetry Shelf

 

Poetry takes up little space

On paper and on shelf.

But, oh, what vastness,

Beauty, grace and wealth!

 

 

© M.R.Hyde 2026

 

And one from another collection that I have posted in my study and that inspires me daily...

 

I woke early

to stack my words

as my speech’s slave

did its morning work.

 

I have piled a mound

of praise that long

will stand without crumbling

in poetry’s field.

 

The Sagas of the Icelanders, "Egil’s Saga", Penguin Books, 1997.