Baby New Year

[Cadaverous Pallor]

New Year Baby, bundled in hope
resolves to grow strong and true
we can try keep him on course
battling chance with investments in plans

At age 8 a child's already learned so much
chugs along the set routine
we're beginning to see the character
but the future still needs to be seen

A 16 year old's known love
bought chocolates for the sweetie
the hands are still cold, unsure
but inside a warm heart is beating

In mid-twenties there are stories to tell
of drunkenness, embarrasing times
one can laugh heartily at the past
but face ahead with a careful mind

A thirty-something has concerns
of kids, taxes and mortgage
not to mention the spring of love and protection
felt for the one chosen to stay and stay

Life's in full swing when you're over the hill
kids need carpools to outdoor sports
warmer weather pushes us busier
the cold behind us will return

"That's it, honey, life's too short
Let's pack up and go on vacation."
Midlife crises are common
in fact, helps from going insane

Late-fifties means the vantage tips
and the end of the workday looms
Even though the days are easy now
with wisdom playing the tune

The days are lazy in retirement
One putters around the home
without a reason to get up
the dog days are long and bored

Once again a student, or perhaps a teacher
either way is usual here
refining a mind is a perfect joy
without too much concern for one's future

Eighty-three? The bones creak
abilities fall away like leaves
the wind gusts ever harder
in a spooky twilight feel

What now, above 90? What would you want?
No more mountains to climb
Just bring the family together
and be thankful you're alive

And as December draws to a close
the life is tolled and counted
we say a loving goodbye
to the old, dearly departed.