Dear Editor,

Halt! Who goes there?

I dare not stop, I am the spirit of the new year

Coming in to bring good cheer.

I too must be on the move, I am the spirit of the old year.

Time marches on , I do declare,

You are lucky to have caught me here.

Your bag is soiled and badly torn,

But surprisingly packed although so worn.

I do not wish to be unkind,

But wonder if you have left anything behind.

It’s filled with things that are passed and gone,

And sadly, too, some that were left undone.

They represent disappointments, failed promises and unrequited love,

Plus triumphs, successes, and lots of blessings from above

They are relics of the recent past

Which I’ll soon unload and be free at last.

My bag is new, but fully loaded too.

It contains hopes, dreams, and challenges anew.

Inside are expectations for satisfaction galore,

Suggestions for health, wealth, prosperity, and more.

I bring things that have oft eluded humankind

Like justice, peace, tolerance, love, and general peace of mind.

I hope though, that before long, the bag will get much lighter,

As wishes and hopes are satisfied and the world a place much brighter.

Fare thee well, I go in peace to take a well-earned rest

And kindly wish that you triumph in your worthy quest.

Ronald R Fagan

ronniefagan@gmail.com