Turning Over The New Leaf

A reflection on fresh starts, perseverance, and hope through heartfelt poetry.

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Updated December 16, 2024, by Catherine Pulsifer

Once again the leaf I turn, Hope against hope for one success.

As we step into a new year, the idea of starting fresh is something we can all relate to. The poem Turning Over The New Leaf beautifully captures this feeling of renewal and the desire to improve. It speaks to the hope that fills our hearts when we make resolutions, as well as the challenges we face in staying true to them.

Through its heartfelt verses, this poem reminds us that while failure is part of the journey, perseverance and faith can lead us to greater things. It’s a reflection on human nature, the trials of life, and the courage to keep turning the page, no matter how many setbacks we encounter.

This timeless piece encourages us to embrace each new beginning with hope, learn from the past, and strive for a life filled with purpose and meaning.



Turning Over The New Leaf

Poet: Unknown

The year begins. I turn the leaf,
All over writ with good resolves;
Each to fulfill will be in chief
My aim while earth its round revolves.
How many a leaf I've turned before,
And tried to make the record true;
Each year a wreck on Time's dull shore
Proved much I dared, but little knew.

Ah, bright resolve! How high you bear
The future's hopeful standard on;
How brave you start; how poor you wear;
How soon are hope and courage gone!
You point to deeds of sacrifice,
You shun the path of careless ease;
Lentils and wooden shoes? Is this
The fare a human soul to please?

What wonder, then, if men do fall
Where good is ever all austere;
While vice is fair and pleasant all,
And turns the leaf to lead the year?
Yet still once more I turn the leaf,
And mean to walk the better way;
I struggle with old unbelief,
And strive to reach the perfect day.

Why should the road that leads to heaven
Be all one reach of sterile sand?
Why not, just here and there, be given
A rose to deck the dreary land?
But why repine? Others have trod,
With sorer feet and heavier sins,
Their painful pathway toward their God
My pilgrimage anew begins.

Failure and failure, hitherto,
Has time inscribed upon my leaves;
I've wandered many a harvest through
And never yet have gathered sheaves;
Yet once again the leaf I turn,
Hope against hope for one success;
One merit-mark at least to earn,
One sunbeam in the wilderness.



Key Points from this poem:
  • The Challenge of Resolutions
    The poem speaks to the hope and determination we feel when starting fresh, like turning over a new leaf at the beginning of a year. It highlights the struggles we face in sticking to our good intentions and how often past efforts have fallen short.


  • Life’s Temptations and Difficult Paths
    The poem reflects on how challenging it can be to stay on the right path, especially when temptations seem easier. It reminds us that while doing good may be hard, giving in to vice brings only temporary satisfaction.


  • Perseverance and Hope
    Even after facing failure, the poet does not give up. The poem teaches us the power of persistence, the importance of learning from our mistakes, and the strength found in hope and faith, encouraging us to keep moving toward a brighter, more purposeful future.


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