For all the Things

For all the hopes that died with time,

For all the dreams now dust--

For all the trinkets of the past

Encrusted now with rust--

For all the plans left unfulfilled,

The books unread still shelved--

For all the closets jumbled

With worn out shoes and belts--

For dishes never set for eight,

For those who never came--

For napkins creased with decades

And silver blotched with age--

For wrinkles etched in burdens borne,

For white hair tinged with gold--

For every treasure of the past

Bespeaking days of old--

I thank Thee, Lord, Ancient of Days,

Who crowns the year with grace--

You gather up each moment lost,

Sending Heaven in its place!

--CJW--