rigid with ritual

rigid with ritual

we wait for the midnight hour

minutes fold and unfold

months of memories

are finally ready to be pushed

into the archives of our souls

 

as if peering through a lacy veil

i remember jewels of other new year’s eves

semi-sort-of accomplishments

i now wear as amulets

like talismans they protect me

 

a clean slate is presented

there are no corners where evil can hide

father time opens his arms to embrace me

so i lay these words gently down

on the naked page

and smile

 

Author's Note

Tonight as you toast the beginning of 2018 remember this....you can not go forward smiling till you look back and make peace with what was. We are a conglomeration of what we have experienced in the past and what we are about to experience. We are what is left of those we lost. May 2018 be the year "it" happens....whatever you want "it" to be. Make the most of this new year you have been given. Happy Healthy New Year to all of you on WC! © 2017

Reviews

[Thepensiveplayer]

Each year is truly a time to self-reflect and plan for good things to come next. Sometimes we can overthink the celebration of New Year because we put a mandatory agenda on ourselves. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but I think we should go with the flow in life and master what we can control. Excellent work! Take care and keep writing. :)

[Lydia Shutter]

You are so right. Again, thank you for the review. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

What a wonderfully hopeful and inspiring poem. Tis said we're part of every experience had, every person we've ever met, every place we've ever been. QED - we carry experience with us into the Now and eventually into the Future you so obviously aspire to. Thank you for each and every letter used to share with your friends, readers all. Happy everything, Lydi.. xx

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, every experience changes us...whether positively or negatively. I do think we learn from them and by the time we are old...and I am there!....we are wise. Happy everything to you as well, sweet Emma. May this year bring you all you long for. Thank you for your review. Lydi**

[Ardra]

Wise words Lydi... :) , thanks..
Am glad we have you here with you to share such lovely and rich poems !

Wishing you a year filled with lots of happiness

[Lydia Shutter]

The very same to you Galadriel. Thank you for the review. Lydi**

[Gee]

I'm hoping with fingers crossed for more of the same and that death and illness find other places to introduce their miserable selves. Selfish I know, but that's the truth.
Happy new year Lydia, here's hoping 2018 is nowt but good to you and yours

[Lydia Shutter]

Happy Healthy New Year to you, Gee. Thanks for the review. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

spot on Lydia! spot on...this is a place one comes to only through treading an introspective path .. truths will light up each room and illuminate those dark corners that must be addressed .. it the inner person is to find solace .. i love this new years poem ..it is like juicy steak to a paupers palate ..so glad to know you here at the Cafe" ... peace and joy
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

"like juicy steak to a paupers palate" my goodness, E! That line is just waiting to be written into a poem. You MUST use it! Thank you so much for your review and for your friendship. Happy Healthy New Year to you and yours. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

well...i just did honey pie ;) same to you big big :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Going to check it out now.

[Lydia Shutter]

If you did write it into a poem, I can not find it on your page.

[Einstein Noodle]

i meant in my review of your poem ;)

[Lydia Shutter]

oHHHHhhhh.....had a blonde moment there! :)

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ............... you know...i have a lot of those too! in a manly way of course ;)

[Lydia Shutter]

Laughing here!

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ...................

[Corset]

I love this hopeful poem, wistful as this year was, in past tense all but over now, out with the old , in with the new " they" say, that is too what this poem says to me.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Corset. May 2018 be wonderful for you. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydia... yours is a very peaceful and hopeful poem for the New Year. We have an empty Mantle to fill with new beginnings blessed by spirits that linger in our heart and soul. Remembering Jewels of other New Years will give us Pearls of wisdom to develop a threshold of optimism. May we be diligent in
believing in G-d's promise of Rainbows. truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Rainbows and dreams...and stars to wish upon. It all begins again at midnight tonight. Happy Healthy New Year to you and Roger, Pat. Thank you for your friendship and your continued support of my words. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

And Happy New Year to you and Steven...
May the New Year be prosperous and bright as an Evening Star for lovers and poets ... Amen. truly, Pat

[Sami Khalil]

So true. Life is short but not short of surprises in the year ahead . We live and learn hopefully and wisely for some. We have to write those pages of our lives and archive them.
An excellent, reflective piece.
Happy New Year

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Sami. Happy Healthy New Year to you. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

::::))))))

[jacob erin-cilberto]

that is true...we can reflect---and we do..and then we move on to the new year...most of us---some just rue the last year, and live the entire next year in it...

i like your philosophy...
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

What's done is done....always wise to remember that. Thanks so much, Jacob. Lydi**