ENTERING THE NEW

Waiting in silence
for the New Year to begin,
I clear up the old,
give way to the new.

I remember a year 
making the best
of a difficult time—
lending a hand 
to someone in need,
smiling to a stranger
as I crossed the street
to maintain proper distance.

I remember the roses—
large and beautiful,
the abundant gardens,
lessons online,
long mornings in bed,
pajamas ‘til noon.

I remember zoom calls
and cyber dinners
and parties.
A rich year
where people shared 
their knowledge
and strengths.

And while the world
became distant and
shut down,
it also became closer.
We shared a universal threat
and through that
the smallest gesture
drew us together,
lifted our spirits
and pointed us
in the direction
of moving forward
into the New Year
where not much is different—
and we get to begin again.

©Sherrie Lovler
New Year’s Eve 2021