In Naples at midnight on New Year’s Eve
cracked crockery and other broken things
are tossed out the windows, crash in the street,
to let go of the old year.
My decluttering starts with a prayer of repentance
and a large black trash bag. In go
the gift box of Christmas teas from last year
the dried-out aroma therapy vial labeled “calm”
a shaving brush I bought on impulse
buffalo jerky from my Blackfoot friend
files that remind me of my mistakes
my favorite coffee maker, gone to soon.
each drawer, shelf and closet
gives up its junk which
doesn’t crash but goes in the trash,
a kindness to people on the sidewalk.
Some things I offer up in a fire.
The coaster from my favorite bar that closed
curls into a black megaphone.
The invitation to the class reunion
flares into ash and drifts away.
A funny note from a friend
who passed away
before I could tease him back.
is the last to go into the fire.
May your New Year be blessed with peace in your heart and a lack of clutter in your life.
Next Sunday is our discussion of the most popular poem from the month of December, which is Family In Flight. Paid subscribers will get an invitation for the 8 p.m. EST Zoom.
Thanks for giving your time to this poem. If you enjoyed it than give it a heart and share it with a friend.
