Big Ben has fallen silent
Another year is done
In hope or trepidation
The new year has begun.
A clock may have two faces
So too can New Year's night,
Some see an end to darkness
Some see no hint of light.
Some people toast its coming
To welcome this new phase,
To some its nothing special
Just like all other days.
A catalyst for many
A chance to put things right,
A harbinger for others
To whom no end's in sight
Some say "I'll stop smoking" or
"I'll join the local gym",
The passing of one second
Has conjured up new vim.
And yet there are so many
For whom those midnight chimes,
Are but sad continuance
Of dark and lonely times.
Good luck then to those good folk
Who greet this time with hope,
A wish that those less happy
May find some way to cope.
Big Ben has fallen silent
Another year's begun
May it bring what's needed to
Give ALL a happy one.
COPYRIGHT D M PAMMENT 01/01/2010
