The other side of celebration

The new year slips in quietly

for the one who is alone.

No clinking of glasses

no expectant shouts

no midnight kisses.

Just another year

transitioning into the past.

No hoopla

no confetti

no fireworks.

Not even a sparkler.

But wait …

what is that I see sparkling over there?

Is it …

Oh ... no, it’s not a sparkle,

it’s a tear.

The new year slips in quietly,

but not unnoticed,

for the one who is alone.

Hana Haatainen Caye

©2011



Remember to reach out to the lonely this New Year's Eve. They're all around us.