Like a young poet in love,
sing the lovely stanzas
of your amazing future
as the lyrics to a new song.
Proudly wear the paper
party hat of happiness.
Blow the horn of humor
in blasts exuberant
as a New Year’s noise maker.
Fill balloons with gratitude,
breathe them like helium,
then squeak with joy.
Take the people you love
to the park, the church,
the theater, the bookstore.
Let your dreams dance
like kites in the blue sky wind
of what might happen next
until the bright strings tug
in your gentle hands
as you make one final wish
before letting them fly.
Anne McCrady, 2015