Happy new year
one at a time
Happy new ears
ones that can hear.
Happy new shears
to cut the old hair
Happy new crown
for the frown clown.
Weary old year
falls into compost
Happy the earthworms
bring a new day.
Now in the rains
the ground soaked
the basement wet
the table settled.
Blessed the unsung
who hear buoy bells
Blessed the obscure
quilting deep poems.
In the New Year
may clear water
be your cheer
light your walk.
May you talk happily
quietly so hear poetry
may your words work
magic in the new year.
The Coming of the Toads 