'Tis the night before New Year's,and all through the halls,
the young folk are leaving
for their New Year's Eve balls.
For some, dress is casual:
freshly-pressed jeans.
For others, their finery
a sight to be seen!
The ball gowns, the tuxes,
so seldom worn now,
are pressed and accessorized:
Beautiful! Wow!
The orchestra leader
from the very top floor
looks great in tuxedo,
starched shirt, and more.
His society orchestra,
known far and wide,
will play at a ballroom,
Chicago's own pride.
The snowbirds are probably
away where it's warm,
or surrounded by family
at cottage or farm.
A few will give parties,
right here in town.
The food gets delivered.
The costs make some frown.
The liquor will flow,
the music will play.
In the very wee hours,
they'll greet a new day.
Tucked in my recliner,
no parties for me.
I flick the remote
seeking something to see.
Parades on tomorrow?
Football galore.
I'm not a great sports fan--
I like reading more.
I may fall asleep
ere the New Year arrives.
My memories have kept
many New Years alive.
I'm contented and warm
and glad to be here.
I'll post on my blog
my wish for next year:
Have fun and success,
peace, sharing, and love.
(I'm a senior, a writer
who's had the above).
And give me no pity,
my life is quite fine!
I'll toast the New Year with
a good glass of wine.
Disclaimer: I am not a poet and never have been. I wrote this tongue-in-cheek for a Chicago Writers Association holiday contest (which, as expected, I did not win). Still, my New Years wishes are sincere, and I want to share them.
Copyright 2006 by Marlys Marshall Styne
2 comments:
Marlys, I love your poem, and that's how intend on toasting in the New Year as well (and I'm only 36). I'm a fellow CWAer, which is how I found your blog.
Shawna: My late husband (once a bar owner) used to call New Years Eve "amateur night." I think he was referring to inexperienced drinkers and the trouble they got into on the highways and elsewhere. Staying home has its advantages. By the way, I really enjoy writing for my blog. In January, I hope to do some more serious writing (but it's a good thing I don't depend on writing for my financial survival). Thanks for your comment.
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