As midnight approached, I took the old year in the palm of my hand and squeezed. The first bell chimed and I opened my fist. The new year shone there, hope and diamond bright. Now I am not afraid.
new year
a candle for the year
a candle for the year
a candle flame to ward away the fear
a candle in my hand to hold, as I hold you dear
a candle for the year
New endings
years end every year
new beginnings
hope
The lights on the tree, white and golden
The lights on the tree, white and golden, sparked into life. People clapped and cheered. Like the real stars above, the lights would focus hopes, thoughts and dreams for the next month.
Jim took Kasia’s hand and half knelt in the snow. Yes, she said. Not only for new year. Forever.
First day back in the office
First day back in the office. Drifts of unwanted high-calorie gifts pile up in the kitchen. A thin Mexican wave of coughing sweeps across the open-plan office; when it reaches the meeting room door there is an expectant silence as people wonder if it will gain admittance. A second or two later than expected, they hear that it has. People smile quietly and drop tissues in the bin. Darren is still wearing his antlers.
The first morning of the new year
It’s the first morning of the new year though it’s not yet light. The fireworks have melted away the last of the snow on the hills; the horizon is unsure. A car passed an hour or so ago I think; no human voices yet this year. May we all have strength.
The turning
The turning of a month, the turning of a year.
A birthday ticking over from nine to none.
The turning of a page, an opening,
Even at the end of the book.
A new chapter, a new story.
The turning of the year, the turning of your year.
The turning of a page begins a new story.
The turning of a year begins new life.
Year of blood, year of ice
The year of blood stretched its weary limbs. Clots dripped in the half-light.
The new year of ice bared its teeth. They are mine now, the wind whistled. And they have done it all themselves.
But in one corner, one quiet corner, the green and yellow nestled. It would take time, a long time, and human touch and heat, but the blood and the winter would come to an end. That time was coming. Hope could be felt.
Three pieces for new year 2017
Old year melts slowly.
New year sun smiles and stretches.
Every year, new year.
*****
New year makes me laugh.
Same as the old one. Always.
Same days, same seasons.
*****
Here comes the autumn.
Always following the summer.
Or is it the spring?
2017
Peace.
Make happy.
Save something.
Or someone.
Be satisfied.
Do the thing there is no time for.
Thank with feeling.
New year always.