Ritual (Poetry)

Goodbye old year —
you were no friend
and I am glad
to see the end
of troubled times
that plagued my life
with pain and worry
fear and strife
the loss of those
who’ve gone from sight
a candle burns
for them tonight

The welcome mat
laid in the hall
for the first one
who comes to call
deep superstition
rules the heart
and wills bad spirits
to depart
and usher in
through every door
a year we can
be thankful for