The old is coming to an end—
the ancient one gripping tight,
as if nothing else matters.

As the grip of the old tightens,
the new can sense the waning hour of its rustic power.
The old knows, as soon as it lets go,
it has to give its final blessing,
that bit we call farewell.

The splendid bull
is standing on the plateau,
faced towards the sun,
rising from horizon.

The first few rays spill into the ocean,
just before the sun is up, above the skyline.
That breathless moment,
when existence appears to be standing still…

The ancient and the new.
A mystery as old as time.
What have I to learn from all that is passing by?

Decay, death, birth, a new start.

I give my gratitude to all that is fading away,
burning out, passing on its final emanating surge of power,
just before it’s time to give it up.

It’s time to give it up!
Your time, your rule, your reign is over.

An ocean of valuable lessons,
overflowing generosity,
kindness and good deeds…
All of it going towards new, fresh seeds.
It’s time to let go, graciously.

Out of the old roots grow the new shoots.
Come spring, watch the glory unfold in its full swing.  

Roaring fireplace, several soft cushions,
the sound of crackling firewood,
a copper flask of water and myself,
gazing towards the blazing fire
as it eats the wood away,
sending vital heat my way.

Holding my favorite pen, I etch
the final few pages of my fifth notebook of this twilight year.

When the one starts starts,
I will pull out a fresh, new, sky blue one!

May the New Year be blessed
with infinite inspiration, joy, and strength
as we navigate through distinct moments:
joyful, challenging, struggling, healing,
messy, exiting, sad, hungry, happy.  
May we learn, may we grow and become
wiser, suppler, more caring, and stronger
as we bravely sail on.

Out of the gracious Old
comes the radiant New!