The world is waiting in the street—
with music, dancing, flashing light.
The next in line will rise tonight
to take the crown and claim his seat
on this hopeful New Year’s Eve.
Did anybody see you leave?
Slipping past us in the lane
to the darkness and the rain?
Did you think we would not grieve
that you did not say goodbye?
You left more softly than a sigh
like I’d be glad to see you go.
But I had wanted you to know
you’d always have a place nearby—
I’ve made a guest room of my mind.
–