As We Near the End of the Year

What grief has passed, 
such burdens we've carried
through the days,
and those darkest of nights

when our hearts melted with fear,
our souls in despair
before the dreaded unknown day.

Yet here we are, 
raising our heads, our hands, 
towards the rising sun, 
eager for that new morn,

when our hearts rise up, 
and draw breath; 
our souls break into joyful song
for that long-promised day.