A. Anato Swu
Satakha Town
Farewell, O year of mingled light & shade,
You came wit' joy & wit' tears you stayed.
You led me gently thru' the hills of cheer,
Then down the valleys of shadows & fear.
I saw new lives breathe hope into the air,
Tiny miracles, received wit' love & prayer.
Humbled hearts brimmed full with mirth,
As God smiled upon each precious birth.
You also taught the language of Goodbye,
When love was lost & grief stood close by.
I mourned the ones my soul still hold dear,
Learning how to carry on wit' absence near.
There were days of labour, fruitful & bright,
A striving spirit burning wit' purpose & light.
And days confined to beds of pain & sighs,
When strength lay still & hope came to rise.
At times I wondered if dawn would appear,
If I would still be alive to greet another year.
But thru' each shadow & each broken part,
God’s grace stood firm, 'mbracing my heart.
His love became my constant, steady sun,
Guiding me through all that must be done.
And today I stand, still breathing, still here,
Beneath the skies that welcomed this year.
Thank you, 2025, for every dawn you gave,
For mercies renewed, both gentle & brave.
Here, I bid you farewell with a grateful sigh,
May your memories give me strength to fly.
