Sunday, January 31, 2010

Early Morning

I’m an early riser;
I’m often up by six.
Sleeping late is not included
In my bag of tricks.

I love to wake in darkness,
Or as the dawn just breaks.
The day is full of promise;
It’s too early for mistakes.

The city’s mostly sleeping
And if I venture out,
The streets are empty, though
Some folks with dogs might be about.

Shops still have their gates locked;
Traffic’s not begun.
All the world is slumbering
Or waiting for the sun.

It’s magic to be out there
For, as far as I can see,
The traffic lights are winking
With a message just for me.

But soon the sky will brighten,
The sidewalks all a-bustle;
New Yorkers bumping through the crowds:
The workday morning hustle.

My private contemplation
Will end, but not in sorrow;
The earth will spin around and
It will all be mine, tomorrow.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Reading

I read fiction; my husband, non.
Each one has its pro and con.
He likes bios, most from history;
Me: relationships, sometimes mystery.
My books’ characters aren’t real;
He thinks his have more appeal.
Gender often takes the lead
When studies show what people read,
Though statistics often fail
When separating female/male.
So if your reading’s an addiction,
Choose your poison – fact or fiction.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Nameless

I bought a new coat,
But almost brought it back
‘Cause the pocket had DKNY
Stitched in black.

It’s hard to notice
Since the coat is black as well,
And it fits just right,
Far as I can tell.

But I hate to feel
Like a walking ad;
Were the label in,
I would not be mad.

Yet each day I see,
Every single place,
People’s coats that boast,
Boldly: The North Face.

And I wonder why
No one seems to mind,
They’re commercials for
What someone designed.

Most consumers love
To show off, so shameless;
I prefer my clothes
To be nice and nameless!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Quirks

Inside every person
An unknown factor lurks;
Sometimes you may never learn
About these hidden quirks.

TV shows poke fun at some,
Like toothpaste caps left off;
But although we laugh at that,
We cannot always scoff.

Think about yourself a bit –
What strangeness would you claim?
Bottle caps left upside down
Is one of mine I’ll name.

I like things in order,
Right side up and lined up straight.
Friends once teased me with a gift
Designed to aggravate.

They pasted rows of bottle caps
The wrong way, on a board.
I found it amusing and
I joined them as they roared.

It’s okay if you’re aware
The way your quirks are viewed.
You can join the laughter with
The proper attitude.

But some peculiarities,
Like terror in a crowd,
Should not be joked about
And due respect must be allowed.

Sometimes you encounter one
Whose weirdness rocks your boat.
Then you must decide if
You must leave to stay afloat.

I can cut some slack at times
And dance around a quirk,
Only if the benefits
Are worthy of the work.

Right now I am wondering
Which way to tip the scales.
I’m trusting that my gut concurs
With what result unveils.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Bedside Manner

Every doctor’s not a god,
Some not even close.
Thus I find it more than odd
When one acts grandiose.

There are some quite brilliant,
But not so understanding;
The human mind’s resilient,
But hearts are more demanding.

So doctors, time to listen;
Consider this advice:
To have a pot to piss in,
You should treat people nice.

If patients bring supporters
To listen and be there,
Don’t treat them like reporters;
That isn’t really fair.

Imagine role reversal –
I’d never send you out.
If this were a rehearsal,
You’d be fired, there’s no doubt.

Every doc should try to take
His patients’ needs to heart;
And if he doesn’t, that mistake
Is where our paths should part.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Not Fair

When little kids yell, “That’s not fair!”
We know how right they are;
‘Cause some folks eat from garbage cans
While some eat caviar.

Many people nearly starve
While others reek of wealth;
And diseases saddle some
While others bask in health.

Lots of people do not know
How they will pay their bills;
While rich folks agonize when they
Are writing out their wills.

There are those with needs so great
They’ll struggle now and later;
Yet others argue color schemes
With their new decorator.

Money’s not the only thing
That tips the justice scales;
Health is equally unfair –
Luck of the draw prevails.

If you’re dealt a royal flush
You’ll slide through life real slick;
But sometimes fate’s not on your side
And you’ll fall down real quick.

Suffering should be spread out
So everyone can taste it;
Then those blessed with health and wealth
Would learn how not to waste it.

‘Til that happens, I’ll agree
With children everywhere,
Who early on, can recognize
That life is just not fair!

Monday, January 25, 2010

In the Rain

Today I went out in the pouring rain
And thought to myself, “This is quite insane!”
I could have stayed in, being nice and dry,
But instead I got soaked and I wonder why.

The library book I returned could’ve waited
Until the day’s forecast cooperated.
The movie I went to won’t disappear;
I had lots to do if I had stayed right here.

But something propelled me to go outside;
My motives have left me unsatisfied.
Perhaps, I did ponder, when dry, back home,
It was simply for fodder to write this poem!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Watching Tennis

I just watched a five-set match
With two amazing pros.
I rooted for my fave and he
Squeaked by, by just a nose.

Their tennis game was in a league
So far removed from mine,
If I were Welch’s grape juice,
They’d be fifty year old wine.

Their pure athletic excellence,
Their focus and their fitness
Garnered gasps and wild applause
From all on hand to witness.

The spectators waved flags to show
Which player they supported;
And on TV, the commentators
Censured and reported.

Each move had power, skill and grace,
Both faces so intense;
The lead kept alternating, which
Created such suspense.

A challenge here, a head-shake there,
A glare at the opponent;
Watching just one game could change
Spectator to proponent.

I sat there glued to the TV;
The anguish was exquisite.
I would not budge, not even if
Obama came to visit.

Tennis is a sport I love;
Watch each game I can catch.
The pleasure doesn’t stop until
The ump says, “Game - set - match!”

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Making the Bed

On my bed is a colorful quilt,
Not hand-made – it came from the store.
Each morning I lay it out, always the same;
It’s so simple, it’s not like a chore.

It has to be facing the way that I like,
Connecting green squares on the top.
The sides must be even and thus all around,
It will hang with the perfect-length drop.

The pillows are fluffed, each one touching the next,
And are topped with a match-the-quilt sham.
If you enter the room and expect something less,
Then you really don’t know who I am.

Unless – and it is an occurrence so rare,
There must be a good explanation –
My husband has made the bed, then you will note
It seems lacking in coordination.

The top of the quilt’s where the bottom should be;
The pillows are huddled behind it.
The shams block the headboard and there is my spouse,
Never suspecting I’d mind it.

To him, it looks great, though of course not the same,
But he claims he was being inventive;
While I like things to be just the way that I like –
I admit that I’m anal-retentive.

How you’re wired determines your preferences here;
I’m fanatic ‘bout how my bed’s looking.
So I told my husband, just leave it to me,
And stick to your forte, the cooking!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Being a Mom

Once you’re a mom, you’re committed for life;
You sign up for joy and you sign up for strife.
One minute, from diapers, you’re wiping up poop;
Then he’s grown-up and sick and you’re making him soup.
The thing is, those feelings that tugged at your heart,
The ones that appeared, magically, from the start,
Do not disappear – they continue to grow;
You forget other things, but this one thing you know.
You’ll worry, you’ll fret, you’ll lose sleep and you’ll mutter,
Imagining that your child’s dead in the gutter,
Or killed by a car, a disease, or the flu;
It’s better if these thoughts your kid never knew.
But it’s hard to stop all this mothering worry.
Our children, despite us, grow up in a hurry.
Yet even adults may, just once in a while,
Need moms around, with chicken soup and a smile;
And if you’re a mom, you won’t think twice to heed
The call of your child, any age, who’s in need.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

At the Movies

At the movies, take a seat,
But before you do,
Look around and ascertain
You won’t block someone’s view.

Place your coat and scarf and hat
Upon an empty seat,
Only if there’s room, of course;
Have popcorn set to eat.

Settle down, the lights will dim.
The previews soon will roll;
But prepare to grapple with
Your sense of self-control.

For no matter where you sit,
A true Neanderthal
Will plop down right in front of you
And he/she will be tall!

That person will not really care
If your view is obscured,
And if you comment, you’ll get grief
And trouble, rest assured.

I’ll never really understand
How human nature works,
But what is quite predictable
Is that there will be jerks.

And often you will find them
Where you wish they wouldn’t be;
And in the movies, I’m convinced
They’ll sit in front of me!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Early Bird

When I’m on my way to the airport
And you don’t want to see me surly,
Be prepared to join me there
Several hours early.

Even in the good old days,
Before those snaking lines,
I would be the “early bird”
The proverb so defines.

I’d rather get there way ahead,
So I’m relaxed and calm;
All those extra minutes
I find soothing, like a balm.

I read or do a crossword;
I catch up on The Times.
I have the opportunity
To draft some brand-new rhymes.

If I’m stuck en route in traffic,
I don’t feel very stressed;
I’ve allotted so much time,
Anxiety’s suppressed.

I’m early everywhere I go,
No matter – night or day.
It’s something I cannot control;
It’s in my DNA.

You’re either born an early bird
Or not – I guess it’s fate;
But if you’re meeting me somewhere,
I hope you aren’t late!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

What Someone's Thinking

You never know what someone’s thinking,
Though you think you might;
Underneath that smile and winking
Could be dynamite.

Yes, I love your haircut!
I’m thrilled for your success!
But behind those words
Might be the truth you’d never guess.

Congratulations, buddy!
It’s just what you deserve!
All the while believing
That you’ve got a lot of nerve.

Gee, I’m glad to see you!
Can we meet real soon?
Inside, hoping that won’t be
Until the next blue moon.

Often, people keep their thoughts
In places dark and hidden;
Sometimes honesty escapes,
But mostly it’s forbidden.

In our minds we filter out
The things we cannot say.
If those floodgates open
There’d be more than hell to pay.

So we grin and compliment,
A poker-face syndrome.
We’re guilty, all, to some extent:
You really love my poem!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Tim Burton

If you want a taste of brilliance
Hiding ‘neath a madman’s curtain,
Check out MOMA where you’ll see
The genius of Tim Burton.

Buck the crowds but take your time;
There’s so much to explore,
All of it a tad macabre
With just a dash of gore.

Musings from his pre-film days,
With teachers’ red-ink marking;
Follow his strange journey
From the time he was embarking.

Revel in his clever rhymes,
Steeped in the bizarre;
Marvel at the figurines
Culled from his reservoir.

Every drawing lures you in,
Like some magician’s trick.
I overheard a young boy say,
“Man, this dude is sick!”

He meant it as a compliment,
And I’m in full accord.
No one will leave this display
Because of feeling bored.

Every inch of space is crammed.
He’s got each detail nailed;
And you chuckle even though
Some creatures are impaled

Or bloodied, gouged, or chopped in two,
Or missing heads or eyes.
It sounds disgusting, but instead
I laughed in real surprise.

Such talent should be divvied up;
It doesn’t seem quite fair
That one man has a mind with which
Nobody can compare.

So visit this exhibit;
It will surely entertain.
Enjoy your ghoulish, ghastly glimpse
Inside Tim Burton’s brain.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Risk

I read about a snowboard guy
Who had a lofty dream:
He wanted to become a part
Of the Olympic team.

While practicing a complex move,
He fell and hit his head;
And now, at twenty-two years old,
His dreams and he are dead.

Some people thrive on risk and dares;
It courses through their blood,
While others’ forays in that vein
Get nipped right in the bud.

To dabble in adventure
You must like to take your chances;
After all, the danger there
Is what, to most, enhances.

But to those who play it safe,
It’s hard to comprehend
The lure of living at the edge:
One step can mean the end.

And so I read of lives cut short,
Not by the hand of fate.
They died while doing what they loved,
But I cannot relate.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Coffee

I cannot quite begin the day
Without my morning cup;
Until I take that first quick sip,
I’m not completely up.

Ironically, in my routine,
My coffee isn’t first.
I read and exercise before
I slake that caffeine thirst.

I brew my java in a pot,
Old-fashioned, on the stove.
It percolates and soon aromas
Waft that it has wove.

I like my coffee steaming hot;
I also drink it black.
And when I’m out, if it is not,
I’ll always send it back.

If ever I’m deprived of
A.M. coffee, heed my warning:
You’ll like me so much better
If I’ve coffee’d in the morning.

Friday, January 15, 2010

City Dusk

At dusk, the windows shine their lamps
In homes across the street;
So many strangers in my view
Whom I will never meet.

Behind each window who can tell,
As evening is unfolding,
Which lives are filled with mystery;
What secrets they are holding.

I don’t see much beyond the lights,
Have no desire for spying;
But sometimes I get curious
Despite my lack of trying.

It’s natural with the city crowds
To ponder what’s behind
Your neighbor’s glowing windowpanes –
What drama you may find.

And while I gaze outside and think
‘Bout people I can’t see,
I realize all at once that they
Might wonder about me!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Proximity

From my apartment on the far east side,
I can walk to the place where my father died.
It’s one of many hospitals within that range;
My familiarity with them wish I could change.
Just streets from where I live’s the place I twice gave birth;
At least those visits gave me my best days on earth.
But more than not, these hospitals have left me grim;
You walk in knowing that it’s either sink or swim.
My daughter’s therapy, PT, was not real far;
You could go by foot or bus – we didn’t need a car.
My mother’s symptoms led her here for her prognosis;
Cancer was the doctor’s final diagnosis.
My friend had surgery and I could hoof it there;
For my stress test merely blocks led me to you know where.
And soon my son’s fiancée will begin to work
In a hospital nearby where who knows what may lurk.
Though I reside within a doctor’s choice zip code,
I’d rather walk on by this medics’ mother lode.
Avoiding hospitals requires more than stealth;
I hope my loved ones choose the path that leads to health.
In proximity there are museums I adore;
If I stay away from doctors, I’ll be there much more!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Communication

In the pre-computer age,
I kibitzed on the phone;
If someone’s line was busy
Well, their whereabouts were known.

I’d try that number later;
Call-wait beeps did not exist.
No way to leave a message,
Or know phone calls had been missed.

And if the phone kept ringing,
People weren’t home, no doubt.
Without a cell phone folks were
Out of reach when they were out.

Now I “speak” to many friends
In fonts and hues online.
I like communicating thus;
It suits my needs just fine.

I can connect and instantly,
Without a prompt or hint,
I type a bit and magically,
My news is there in print.

Or else I call a cell phone,
Talk to friends who walk or drive.
People out of cell phone range
Think that they can’t survive.

As progress keeps improving,
We are always within reach;
Even on vacation,
We can email from the beach.

But sometimes I long for the days
When we had fewer choices,
And I’d spend hours on the phone:
A tennis match of voices.

And often you would have to wait –
I’d hate that, I’m not lying;
But when you did connect it seemed
So much more gratifying.

Times do change and we’ve improved
Communication’s ways;
But I’m nostalgic for those calls
From pre-computer days.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

At the Kandinsky Exhibit

Go to see a retrospective
At a hip museum;
Look around and gain perspective –
Call it as you see ‘em.

Hated all his early stuff,
Though the headphones hailed it;
Wonder if folks had enough
When he at first unveiled it.

Pretty soon his style emerged,
As did my admiration:
Shapes and colors popped and verged
In stunning variation.

Crowds of visitors drew round
To view each masterpiece;
Comments varied, from profound
To mentions of Matisse.

I felt privileged to be there,
My feelings almost giddy.
There’s nothing that can quite compare
To art shows in the city.

It’s why I cherish living
In such cultural terrain.
As long as art keeps giving
To New York, I will remain.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Sharing

Little kids are taught to share
To get them set for life;
But sometimes this won’t quite prepare
Them for impending strife.

If you exist with one TV,
Computer, bathroom, car,
There’s never any guarantee
Your needs will get you far.

If someone beats you to the punch,
Your choice is just to wait;
Though oftentimes I have a hunch
It’s open to debate.

Perhaps some needs appear to be
More urgent and more pressing;
But if unmet, it’s hard to see
That this can be a blessing.

But patience is a virtue, so
Sometimes you have to learn it,
And life may have snafus, although
Occasionally you earn it.

It seems a lesson’s waiting
And I sound like the recruiter.
I am not exaggerating;
I’d prefer my own computer!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Ticket

In the car in which you’re riding,
Driver’s mostly law-abiding.
Cell phone? No way! Seat belt? Click it!
Speeding? Uh-oh – here’s the ticket!

Road is empty, clear, no worry;
You’re not really in a hurry,
But you zip along, unthinking,
‘Til you see those police lights blinking.

Stop the car, pull off the highway;
Cop approaches – in his wry way
Asks if you know what he’s needing,
And you offer, “Was I speeding?”

“Clocked you going way too fast!”
Perfect record’s in the past.
“License, please, and registration…”
So you wait for the citation.

Here it is – now toe the line.
Mail it in to pay your fine.
Check the box; admit your guilt.
Be a man – no time to wilt.

“Have a nice day, and take care!”
Passing drivers slow and stare.
Join the traffic, feeling lowly,
Promising that you’ll drive slowly.

Life is like that: you proceed;
Luck is never guaranteed.
So you just do what you ought –
Hopefully, you won’t get caught.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Taste

I know someone who saw a play
More times than she’ll admit,
And others shared her fervor
For the show was quite a hit.

Nominated for awards
It’s still on Broadway now,
But when I finally saw it
I felt nothing close to Wow!

The cast was filled with energy,
The story meant to wrench;
But I sat there, dispassionate –
My thirst it did not quench.

Yet recently I met the one
Who loves it with devotion.
Uncomfortably, I did admit
To me, it lacked emotion.

We talked of other theater dates,
Productions we adored;
And when I named my favorite one,
She said it left her bored.

I laughed at that and so did she;
All awkwardness erased.
I’m sure we both were thinking that
You can’t account for taste!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Health

When I was young, I often heard,
“What matters more than wealth
Is something you can’t much control:
In other words, your health.”

The grown-ups were obsessed with it:
Their doctors, scans, and pills;
To me it felt so far away,
Like grade school shelter drills.

Of course the possibility
Was there for either scene:
A nuclear attack
Or some disease with quarantine.

Yet each scenario could not
Attach itself to me.
Youth encourages the chance
To frolic, worry-free.

But years have passed and now I know
That illness, sly and stealthy,
Can sneak up and invade us
Even though we’re feeling healthy.

I wish I could go back in time
And place myself among
Those ignorant of what I heard
Way back when I was young...

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Car Alarm

There really is no charm
In a *%!#&$! car alarm.
I thought they were passé,
But I heard one just today.
The owner wasn’t there;
I guess he didn’t care.
But it drove me really nuts,
No ifs or ands or buts.
The noise was so damn grating,
Its driver I was hating.
In my bones I can still feel it –
I hope someone will steal it!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Last Meal

If I were a death row convict
And down to my last meal,
I know exactly what, to me,
Would have the most appeal.

I wouldn’t ask for lobster,
Or caviar or steak;
And if they offered sushi, I’d say
Give a gal a break!

No shrimp or deep-fried chicken;
I would not compromise.
I’d like a cheddar burger,
Ice-cold beer and crispy fries.

The burger should be real well-done,
The cheddar at full melt;
The fries real thin and piled so high
You must unlatch your belt.

Ketchup, cole slaw, pickle spear
Should all be on the plate;
And in my glass, an IPA
I would appreciate.

Dessert would be pie a la mode
With any type of berry;
A cup of coffee would be nice
But not be necessary.

I had a meal like this tonight,
A wonderful repast.
I skipped dessert, but wouldn’t have
If it had been my last.

A dinner such as I described
To me’s so satisfying,
That it could brighten up my mood
Just hours before my dying.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Choices

In the quilt store, bolts of cloth
Create a bold display:
Patterns, colors, wild designs –
A dazzling array.

I’m there to choose four swatches;
They have to match and meld.
I slowly start perusing:
The choice unparalleled.

At first, I pick a sample
Of soft blue with a swirl;
It will look nice upon the wall –
I could give it a whirl.

Selecting other fabrics
To complement that hue
Was harder than expected;
I didn’t have a clue.

I finally made some choices.
They worked together, but
Although my brain said go ahead –
I heard NO! in my gut.

It’s like a singles party
Or an online dating mart;
Just okay is not enough –
You’ve got to trust your heart.

And when you find your mojo,
You’ll know – you needn’t guess.
Every signal in your blood
Will holler – Yes! Yes! Yes!

So I returned those cottons
And waited to be stirred;
At last one did call out to me –
My heart and brain concurred.

Upon a wheaten background
Sat birds of green and gold
And purple – that’s my favorite!
I knew that I was sold.

I found three matching swatches,
And left that store just glowing.
Tomorrow is my quilting class –
I can’t wait to start sewing!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Company

It’s not very often that I entertain,
But whenever I’m given the chance,
I want things to be perfect, so let me explain
How I get things prepared in advance.

“Advance” is a relative term, by the way;
I’m a last-minute gal through and through,
But it helps if you food-shop before the big day –
You’ll be much better off if you do.

Figure out what to serve, have a drink in your hand,
And relax while you cook and you bake;
Keep spicing things up – no one likes food that’s bland,
And so what if you make a mistake?

Put each dish in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap,
And have serving bowls ready and waiting;
If you think you’re all set, give yourself a good slap –
'Cause it’s cleaning time – no hesitating.

So you dust, do the floors, clean the sinks and the tub,
Spray the mirrors and vacuum the rugs;
But the clutter, oh gosh, aye - that’s really the rub –
And requests for advice get you shrugs.

So you bag up the mail and the magazine piles
And they’re stuffed in the closet on cue;
You’ll be ready to greet your guests with sunny smiles,
‘Cause your messes are hidden from view.

Then you shower and dress, sipping wine to unwind,
Turn the radio to a cool station;
And when your friends arrive, feign surprise when they find
That the hostess deserves an ovation.

Please take my advice and start planning a date
To invite a few friends – you’ll be fine.
Just remember to plan, and I can’t overstate,
It’s much easier prepping with wine!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Whoop!

A week ago, while on my walk,
I heard a startling sound;
I couldn’t really place it
So I turned and looked around.

I saw a couple ‘cross the street;
He wore a Yankee cap,
And she strolled silently in stride
With his effusive rap.

For all the noise did emanate
From them, a two-man troupe;
Though only he expressed himself,
With a resounding "Whoop!"

The rest of his performance
I could not quite understand,
Though he referred to “Marvin”
In some personal shorthand.

He sang as loud as he could get,
And it was nine a.m.
I’m sure that many East Side folk
Were woken up by them.

I was a bit unnerved at first;
His “Whoop!” intimidated.
I couldn’t tell if he was thrilled
Or merely agitated.

And his companion, quietly,
Accompanied his jaunt;
Her unobtrusiveness did complement
His needy flaunt.

I saw them both again today,
And he was still a-whoopin’;
Even though folks gaped and stared,
His spirits weren’t droopin’.

I still don’t know if he’s just odd
Or flat-out crazy nuts;
But there’s a possibility
That will engender “Whats?!”

Perhaps he’s wildly happy,
Delightfully delirious;
If that’s the case, hats off to him –
And yes, I’m really serious!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Resolutions

What do I improve this year?
What should I resolve?
I guess the object is for us
To magically evolve.

Some people plan a diet,
While others plan to move;
And many focus on a skill
They hope they can improve.

Some vow to break a habit,
Or pledge to travel more;
And some look at relationships
They’re hoping to restore.

Many people join a gym
With fitness as their goal;
And others swear decluttering
Will prove their self-control.

Promises are easy;
It’s keeping them that’s hard.
Most of our intentions
We will quickly disregard.

So I’ll just take a shortcut
And promise not a thing,
And hope that I can handle
What the months ahead will bring.

Friday, January 1, 2010

New Year's Day

After champagne and fireworks,
It’s fine to take it slow;
So New Year’s Day’s a lazy one,
With its own ebb and flow.

For mulling and reflection,
It’s just about ideal.
My introspection led me to
The new year’s true appeal.

It seems to be a perfect time
To take that long-due chance,
Moving from your comfort zone
To some new circumstance.

The just-right opportunity
To learn a tempting skill;
If you don’t take advantage now,
Perhaps you never will.

The banquet’s full of choices,
All ripe and fresh and waiting;
It’s up to you to fill your plate –
No time for hesitating.

The year is so inviting,
It’s open, free, and wide;
The time is now to venture out –
Your fears must be denied.

So make a few decisions.
Don’t worry if they’re right;
Make a wager – take a risk,
Dig in and take a bite.

For you may be delighted,
Rewarded with surprise,
If you dive and discover
A new you before your eyes.

Of course there’ll be more chances
Throughout the coming year,
But New Year’s means beginnings
And the bugle call is here.

So even if your day was
Like mine, relaxed and slow,
It’s time to grab those reins and think,
Ready, steady, - go!