A New Year’s Day Poem
In 1885, Anna E. Klein presented her parents with a homemade card
(written in beautiful German script) with a wish for the new year.
Anna was 11 years, 8 months old.











                       New Year's Wish

                  to my dear parents

                      
                      on 1 January 1885


                              from


                   Your thankful daughter


                                Anna Klein,
                                     New Orleans,

                                                          La.
                 






      1. God sends a new year down
                To us in this Pilgrim land
        Our songs of thanks praise Him
                It is He alone, who sent it
        To God I lift up my gaze
                For the happiness of my dear parents.




      2. For your love, your goodness
                I joyfully give my thanks
        For your heart does not tire
                Of caring for me year after year
        Yes, your love, your faithfulness
                They are renewed every morning.




      3. Therefore, I wish that God will give
                You always pleasure and joy
         With eagerness I will strive to dedicate
               To you a thankful heart
         That is my wish, God make it so
                Then there will be a happy new year.