Printable Gate of the Year Full Poem Free – “The Gate of the Year” (originally titled “God Knows”) is a short inspirational poem by British poet and academic Minnie Louise Haskins (1875–1957). Written in 1908 and first published in her 1912 collection The Desert, it became widely known after King George VI quoted its opening lines in his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the British Empire at the start of World War II. The words offered comfort amid uncertainty and have remained popular for New Year reflections, funerals, and moments of transition.
Because the poem was published in 1912, it is in the public domain in the United States. You may freely print, share, or display the full text for personal or educational use.
Full Text of the Poem
God Knows
(Popularly known as “The Gate of the Year”)
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
So heart be still:
What need our little life
Our human life to know,
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low,
God hideth His intention.
God knows. His will
Is best. The stretch of years
Which wind ahead, so dim
To our imperfect vision,
Are clear to God. Our fears
Are premature; In Him,
All time hath full provision.
Then rest: until
God moves to lift the veil
From our impatient eyes,
When, as the sweeter features
Of Life’s stern face we hail,
Fair beyond all surmise
God’s thought around His creatures
Our mind shall fill.
Free Printable Versions and Trusted Sources
A clean, ready-to-print PDF of the poem is available from Ampleforth Abbey (a Benedictine community in England). Download it here:
Ampleforth Abbey – Gate of the Year PDF.
For background and historical context from the author’s academic institution, see the London School of Economics history page:
LSE History – Minnie Louise Haskins and The Gate of the Year.
Wikipedia provides a concise overview, including the full text and notes on its royal associations:
Wikipedia – The Gate of the Year.
The poem is also inscribed at the entrance to the George VI Memorial Chapel in St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Details appear on the College of St George site:
St George’s Chapel – The Gate of the Year.
A free digital edition of Haskins’s later collection that includes the poem is available via Faded Page (public-domain repository):
Faded Page – The Gate of the Year by Minnie Louise Haskins.
These sources are legitimate and do not require payment or registration for the poem text or the listed PDF.
Printable Gate of the Year Full Poem Free
Practical Tips for Printing and Using the Poem
- Print on letter-size paper for easy framing or bulletin-board display.
- Use a serif font and generous margins for readability.
- Pair the poem with a simple New Year reflection or journal prompt for personal or group use.
- Many people share it at the turn of the year, in church services, or as a quiet reminder of trust during uncertain times.
Brief FAQ
Is the full poem free to print?
Yes. As a 1912 publication, it is public domain in the United States. The Ampleforth Abbey PDF and the text above may be printed freely for personal use.
Why is it called “The Gate of the Year”?
The popular title comes from the opening line. Haskins originally titled the piece “God Knows.”
Where else does the poem appear?
It has been read at royal occasions (including the Queen Mother’s funeral), featured in films, and remains a favorite New Year and memorial reading.
This page gives you the complete poem, clear context, and direct links to free, trustworthy printables so you can enjoy or share “The Gate of the Year” without searching further.