A Norse Path New Year's Prayer

May your life be filled

with warmth and with good cheer,

may you feel the gods’ succor

in times when you fear.

May the compassion you give

be returned when you need,

may you never know hunger

when the hungry you feed.

May your home echo of sweet tidings

from dear ones you hold,

may your family be delivered

from enemies, the cruel and the bold.

May the visitors be kind

that come to your door;

may the children know mirth

whom play at your floor.

May your hearth burn bright,

may your pantry stay full,

may your judgments be fair,

may you serve whom you rule;

and when tyrants attack

or pretenders pretend,

may you know equity

for the peace you extend.

May you enjoy the wealth

no coinage can buy;

the gold of friendship:

a lover who can’t lie;

may the kisses you yield

and the passions you chase

may they be returned or refused

with honor and grace.

May you be comforted in loss,

may your grief be allayed,

may all your sorrows be lifted

by joyful memories you’ve made.

May your trials be short

and the goodwill you have shown,

spread as ivy wherever

in the world it’s been sown.

May the light of hope

gather around,

and cling to you dearly

whenever darkness surrounds.

I wish you the Great Blessing,

which can’t be bartered or sold -

that whatever in love you give,

may it return to you threefold.

And whatever befalls you

far away or just near,

I wish you happiness

every day of this year.

©December 31, 2015 by Beth Perry