Few days back,
The new year came
without knocking on the door
with utter silence
carrying regrettable legacy of its past
I gave heed to the muteness
and woke up early
I wanted to greet him
with loud music, firecrackers
and new resolutions
I did not see him coming
yet, he was standing alongside
with distressed look and wan grin
I stunned into silence
I had waited so long for him to come
I checked through the window
The sun had yet not risen
and sky appeared so gloomy
I recalled the promises
that I had made
when we met last time
To better myself
and try to help realize my dreams
Dreams of peace and harmony
I had resolved last time to
Encourage more and criticize less
Feed more and need less
Enjoy more and regret less
So, was he furious with me?
reminding me of my duties and commitments?
'It's not only you' he uttered
There are many who only talk
and their actions give me shock
They allege 'there is nothing new about me'
Over the years, I have lost my charm
The reception that I get is no longer warm
Yet, I keep coming to remind all
that life is a circle
Good and bad times follow each other
There is always a January after December
I apologized and pledged
to keep my promises this time
I switched on my TV set
News of recession and terror
People killing each other
A leader appeared on the screen
and spoke about ethics
Suddenly, a breaking news flashed
that the new year had begun
Behind the firecrackers and loud music,
I saw him giving an anxious smile
yet waving hands in appreciation
Deependra Kumar Jha
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-quiet-new-year/
