The New Year stretches its arms
towards us
fresh, clean scent of green pine needles
and wishes for happiness
surround shiny, glittering faces
of people in Times Square and
all across the globe
like Christmas ornaments still
hanging from a tree
and candles glowing on
windowsills
I don my flashy sequined New Year’s hat
cross my legs in lotus pose
with a prayer on my lips
and hope in my heart
wait for the dazzling ball
to drop