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This week’s round up is hosted by Ruth at there is no such thing as a God-forsaken town. Join us!
The Year as a …
A big thank you to Tabatha Yeatts for her inspired post and prompt. The Nevermores opened our 2026 weekly prompts writing our own pleas for the coming year.
The Year as a Letter
Think of this year
as a letter:
written in stardust
over eons,
a sacred cypher
held in the heartwood
of mother trees
who have waited
for this moment
to release its seeds.
Let it be
an invitation:
the honor
of your presence
requested.
Let it fill you
with wonder–
How to prepare?
Who will be there?
Let it be
carried on a soft wind
echoing hope.
Let it be
a reminder: the horizon,
though distant
is reachable.
Let this container,
featherweight
yet veined in strength,
hold your dreams
and your tears.
Let it be here
your heart finds peace,
comfort in memories
of those you miss.
Let it be here
a path is painted–
beckoned by friends
you will meet
on the way.
Let each page
be a sunrise
for trying again.
images courtesy of Pixaby
Here
find the courage
to connect,
to heal.
Let words be the glue.
Let words soothe.
This letter, a treasure
laid at your door–
full of potential,
contents unknown…
waits to be opened.
You are invited.
Please RSVP.
© 2026 Patricia J. Franz
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Patricia, your poetry warms my heart.
“Let it be here
your heart finds peace,
comfort in memories
of those you miss.”
Nice ending! An invitation, a plea. The contents are certainly unknown. I wrote a “The Year As” poem for Jone’s postcard project. Yours is winging its way to you now!
Count me in! RSVP: yes
Gorgeous, Patricia! “…stardust over eons, a sacred cypher held in the heartwood of mother trees…” feels both massive and particular – the eternity that fostered the now.
What a neat idea to format a poem like an invitation. Lovely.
I loved,
“Let each page
be a sunrise
for trying again.”
That first stanza is a stunner, Patricia! I’m so glad you shared this lovely poem here.
I’m going to print this out to hang nearby, Patricia. At first I tried to choose some favorites, but there are many, like “This letter, a treasure/laid at your door–” so I’ll keep it all for my own “treasure” for living in 2026! I wish everyone could feel this way about a treasure! I know challenging things will keep coming, but other hours will be special. Thank you!
You have my RSVP! I love this time of year, the feeling of possibility, the open book waiting to be filled with stories, adventures and experiences. ♥️
Oh, that last line…that invitation to RSVP. It’s perfect. I love this poem. The heartwood to seed…oh, my goodnes, that’s beautiful as is “featherveined in strength.” I agree with Jane. The possibilities of the next year are so hopeful. Thank you for this gorgeous start.
Here’s another RSVP YES to this poem! Like Linda B, I can’t pick any favorites. This one needs to be submitted somewhere for the wider world to read! It’s breathtaking! You played that metaphor like a Bach concerto!
Love, love, love! xoxo
You are invited.
Please RSVP.
LOVE!! xo
Oh, Patricia, this is gorgeous. I love
Let each page
be a sunrise
for trying again.
Thanks so much for this beautiful invitation, Patricia! I RSVP YES!
Oh Yes, Dear Patricia,
I”m sending my RSVP.
Your letter lifts me up, especially:
“Let each page
be a sunrise
for trying again.”
Your fan,
JAN