The New Year ought not come, but be attained
by only those who celebrate a time well spent.
December’s final days are mounting steps
to reach that peak of midnight, head unbent —
To stand upon that yearly peak of time —
look back without regret, look forward without fear;
To stand as in salute to one year’s pride and
one year’s promise; pledge to both a solemn cheer;
To hold unbridled future, as a white mare to be caught
and tamed, and molded to man’s will;
To hold one goal; reach out, and finding it too far,
to walk toward it; to walk and say — I will;
To gain that goal; to say — I have — and set
another goal — to check the score next New Year’s eve.
Dear Reader, I wrote this toast for the New Year of 1968, 50 years ago. At each year-end, I repeat it, enjoying it anew. Best, Ilene Skeen