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
