I sweep up the crumbs
hiding in corners
unseen in the shadows
to create a crusty mound
*
open the back door
and in one motion
it’s launched in the air
to nourish the birds
searching for food in winter.
*
I can never resist the promise
of a brand new calendar,
Asian or Western,
kiss at midnight,
watching the glow of a ball drop
*
feeling the urge to start fresh
on a new page, a first step
a journey with hopeful intentions.
*
Year of the Snake—
“Transformation” calls out to me
as the theme of my yet to be
assembled poetry manuscript.
*
Resolved to direct creative energies
I will develop positive tasks:
Be accountable, Set a schedule
Create artwork to show my progress.
*
Harnessing hope, being grateful,
wishing for the good health
of my loved ones,
I open the door to a new year.
Lois Perch Villemaire of Annapolis, MD is the author of “My Eight Greats,” a family history in poetry and prose and “Eyes at the Edge of the Woods” (Bottlecap Press). She is a contributing writer to AARP The Ethel. Lois, a Pushcart nominee enjoys researching genealogy and propagating African violets.
