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In An Open Place
The beginning of a new year often gives us a chance to pause and reflect on where we have been and where we hope to go. In In An Open Place, Douglas Malloch uses the image of leaving one forest and stepping into another to remind us that every new season offers the opportunity for a fresh start. While we cannot change the past, we can choose to move forward with renewed hope and purpose.
For some people, the new year is simply another day on the calendar. For others, it marks the beginning of new goals, fresh dreams, and a positive outlook for the future. Malloch captures that feeling beautifully when he writes:
"The New Year ever looks as fair
As if all life were new;
The world behind is bleak and bare-
The sky before is blue."
The encouraging message of this poem reaches beyond New Year's Day. Every day gives us another chance to begin again. We can learn from yesterday without allowing it to hold us back, trusting that each new step brings fresh possibilities and renewed hope. As you read this poem, may it encourage you to leave past disappointments behind, look ahead with confidence, and embrace the new opportunities that God places before you. Douglas Malloch is one of our famous poets whose timeless words continue to inspire readers today.
Updated August 5, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
In An Open Place
Poet: Douglas Malloch
I step from out the forest vast
My feet have wandered through;
I leave the forest of the Past
To greet a forest new.
A year ago like this I stood
Before untrodden ways
And plunged, as now, within a wood -
A wilderness of days.
A year ago a year new born
Stretched out before my feet;
Then not a rose concealed a thorn
And ev'ry fruit was sweet.
But, as I walked, the sky grew gray
And tangled grew the road;
Then lonely was the forest way
And heavy was the load.
As thus the year, once new, grew less,
Perplexing grew the wood;
I knew not if to onward press
Or linger where I stood.
New hurts and wrongs my path made dear,
Old wounds were opened wide;
And none there was my heart to cheer
And none to walk beside.
Now comes the New Year, as it came
Before with hope aglow;
The way that beckons is the same
That called a year ago.
I thank Thee, Lord, that, spite of pain
And slur and cold offense,
I thank Thee, Lord, that, spite of rain
And past experience.
The New Year ever looks as fair
As if all life were new;
The world behind is bleak and bare -
The sky before is blue.
I thank Thee, Lord, the New Year brings
A balm for hurt and pain;
With feet that run and heart that sings
I journey on again.
Key Reflections In This Poem
-
Every Day Is A New Beginning
Douglas Malloch reminds us that we are not trapped by yesterday. Every new day gives us another opportunity to begin again with hope and a fresh outlook.
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Leave The Past Behind
The poem compares the past to a forest that has already been traveled. While we can learn from yesterday's experiences, we do not have to let them keep us from moving forward.
-
Challenges Help Us Grow
The journey through life is not always easy, and every year brings its share of disappointments and struggles. Even so, those experiences can strengthen our character and prepare us for what lies ahead.
-
Hope Gives Us Courage
Each new year brings fresh possibilities, even after difficult seasons. Hope helps us take the next step with confidence instead of allowing fear or past failures to hold us back.
-
Trust God On The Journey
Throughout the poem, the author thanks God for His care despite life's hardships. Trusting Him gives us the courage to continue, knowing He is with us through every season.
-
Look Forward With Joy
The closing verses remind us to focus on the future rather than the disappointments of the past. With thankful hearts and renewed determination, we can move forward believing that better days are still ahead.
Popular Pages
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Conclusion
In An Open Place reminds us that every ending can become the beginning of something new. While we cannot change the path we have already traveled, we can choose to move forward with hope, carrying the lessons we have learned instead of the regrets we leave behind.
Douglas Malloch encourages us to look ahead with confidence, trusting that each new season brings fresh opportunities and renewed purpose. Whether it is the start of a new year or simply the beginning of a new day, may this poem inspire you to leave the past in God's hands, embrace the future with faith, and continue your journey with hope in your heart.
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