Saturday January 1, 2011 Writer's Island

Image from the internet.

Prompt #1 for 2011: Embark

EMBARK
January 1, 2011
The first day of the new year
I've been cold all morning.
I rub my hands together,
According to the weather channel
-18, feels like - 36

Standing at the kitchen window,
The wind was blowing snow on Wheeler peak,
Though it was dead still here on the mesa,
Little puffs of snow kicked up on the mountain
Tinged with pink from the rising sun.
The sky a pale blue,
And one small pink cloud,
The picture complete.
I marveled at the beauty.
First morning of the new year.
I rub my hands together,
According to the weather channel
-18, feels like -36

"Embark" is a perfect word
For the first day of a new year,
Embark anew, on life's journey.
And yet, it always seems strange,
To begin a new year,
When the old year isn't really complete.
All the things I planned in the old year,
Only half finished,
Time should have a pause button,
To allow extra time for catching up,
Saying goodbye, and
Completing all unfinished business.
I rub my hands together,
According to the weather channel
-18, feels like -36

Before I begin
I am behind,
My friend, Susan, says life
Is like a stream,
That just keeps flowing.
She is right.
Together we embark,
On a brand new year,
Drag along all the
Unfinished things from last year,
Goodbye to old friends,
Hello new,
I rub my hands together,
According to the weather channel
-18, feels like -36

Try to get through this first day,
With hard thought-out resolutions intact,
Best wishes for a New Year,
-- As best I remember--
It's hugs and kisses at midnight
Though it's been years,
I guess that is what they still do.

-18, feels like -36