New Year’s Day 2023 - Valerie Mendes
2179
page-template-default,page,page-id-2179,page-child,parent-pageid-357,bridge-core-2.3.5,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-title-hidden,qode_grid_1300,footer_responsive_adv,transparent_content,qode-theme-ver-22.1,qode-theme-bridge,disabled_footer_top,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-6.8.0,vc_responsive

New Year’s Day 2023

New Year’s Day 2023

The trees beside my cottage
Surrender to the wind
Their mildewed twiglets fly and fall
Deep yellow, furry, pinned
On landing to the yew hedge
Or float on gutter’s tide –
They bob away to join the fray
Beyond, with more beside.

Old friends walk slowly past me
With greetings on cold lips
Cheeks raw, eyes bright, hands muffled
To warm their fingertips.
Above our heads skies beckon
Calling to cool midday
Grey clouds skim, bleakly ominous,
Promising rain. We pray

For health in Europe’s cities
Where ruins lie in flame
Give strength to desolation
And courage to Ukraine –
Clasp hands with those who love you
Bring calming so we may
Wish only for a year of peace
On this, our New Year’s Day.