fast forward

looking toward the new year

approaching as yet

unadorned for the celebration

how will the days be filled

what will happen as nightfall

descends upon each day

what will we bring

to the weeks and months

as they open and close

some drawing near now

others distant

will laughter and tears be our gifts

lifting someone’s burden

can we vanquish the ghosts of the past

or will those images still intrude

as we close our eyes to sleep

for some

the old year heralded new beginnings

cast against dark days and

setbacks searing the view

for others

discovery of some holy grail

an epiphany of truth and joy

 for a few more

a slow race against time

to escape through that midnight opening

with still a bit of hope to spend

soon

we’ll all face the same invisible wall

everyone who has traveled far

and  those who were unable

to take a single physical step

we’ll succeed

we’ll fail

while the  earth spins and orbits

sprinting through sunrises and sunsets

we’ll recognize the inevitability of a turbulent ride

as we try to grasp the reins

and hold on tight

Barry DeCarli

December 15, 2017

On South Street

©Barry DeCarli