A New Year Begins

by Cheryl Merrick

Brashly announcing its entrance
 with horns and bells,
the New Year soon settles, 
gratefully, back into familiar routine. 

Fading are the sound of bells.
Dimming are the twinkling lights.
With the gifts given and 
the festive meals eaten,
the jovial bustle of the holiday season
quickly dissolves into 
an amiable quietness.



In this moment of reflection
when the earth pauses
before the exuberance of spring,
our mind ponders  
on years past and on hopes  
for our year to come.

Before becoming overwhelmed 
with unrealistic goals,
may we remember the hope of Christmas,
allowing it to linger in our hearts,
and light our way into the New Year.