New Year Happenings.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

you did not consume your beer
and the chicken roast was left untouched.
the table setting was perfect, the mantel
red and the chairs shining with its mahogany tint.
the red wine had me while the whisky got you.
i had ample time with the beef steak while
you had that strips of bacon and chunks of cheese
and cucumber pickles.
the music was soft, the one that ABBA sang which
went viral in messenger.
there were not much firecrackers here but we
watched the countdown on TV.
At midnight all the engines of cars in the neighborhood
were started as a matter of belief and tradition.
all the dogs of the house took refuge in the room
with glass doors and windows.
mama heard mass while papa slept early.
they did not go together anymore as a matter of change.
as usual brother was busy with his cellphone.
Sister is still in Toronto saying she could not come home
as she is busy with her nursing work.
This is a big house with the top floor designed to view
the stars.
It rained so hard, we could not see the stars.
We haggled inside a room which functioned as a bar.
we had more drinks, and we felt whirled and numbed.
I did not remember what we were talking.
we danced and laughed and made merry.
The parrot did not talk tonight bewildered by
the rain and the sounds of the people in this city.
I love to see the lights below us.
We are thankful for these blessings,
Happy to be rich and famous and
expectant of more blessings from God.

Why do you still grieve?