New Years Gone By

Old Lang Syne – a distant refrain,
Streamers tossed and glasses clinked-
Happy New Year hugs again;
Cosy journey home.

New Years’ resolutions made
Heartfelt messages sent at Twelve
Hugs and milos, love and laughter
Days till I’d be home.

Mum and Dad stay put and young ‘uns
Race down to the beach-
Distant New Year Fireworks crackle,
Ten minutes from home.

Backyard New Year party night;
Quiet celebrations
Laid back conversations had
Strange to not be home.

Party Poppers, coloured glow sticks;
Back to the beach once more;
Early family fireworks-
Family is my home.

Lockdown fireworks, social distanced;
Masked we huddle close-
Grateful to send the old year packing-
Glad we could leave home.

No more hugs with Dad at New Year;
Back we go but it’s not the same-
Deeper hope will keep us singing,
In our hearts, that old refrain.

Family Fireworks in bitter cold;
Longing to be huddled close;
Standing somewhat apart from the others-
Struggle to feel at home.

Almost midnight while I gather my tablets
Water toast for one tonight-
Others in their warm beds, sleeping;
Wondering where is home?

New Years’ Day brings opportunities
Times to love while young;
May the year see closer ties built
And the home fires rebegun.

She hath wings