Poetry Corner
Endings and Beginnings ~ Vea Anna Hooker
As this year draws to its close
and Champagne bubbles tickle my nose,
I pause to reflect on times easy and glad
and other, more difficult times I have had.
I want to remember the loved ones gone
and cherish the loved ones still going strong.
With gentle tears, I recall goals not executed
resolutions formed for which I was unsuited.
Altruistic schemes, though constantly willed
Somehow just never quite were fulfilled.
In despair, I wonder, did I do any good,
or only didn’t do things that I should?
If I were my friend, I would admit to compassion,
deeds done well and done nearly to my satisfaction.
My duty I have done, my responsibilities are met,
I tried to be a friend and paid every debt.
What talent I possess, with gratitude I used
To leave others with their situations improved.
So the year winds down and it is similar to most,
Things done poorly or well and not worth a boast
In sorrow, I look back and cannot make a change,
only look ahead and plan for a much better exchange.
The new year approaches amid exuberant fanfare,
though unfinished with this one, I now bid it farewell.
