New Year's Eve Poem by David C Probst

Waves washing rocks of sore memories in futile replication
Rendering them more slippery with each lapping.
Church bells proclaiming the festive season
Irrespective of wordly misery and woe.
People pretending affinities through useless gifts
Regardless of the recipient's real needs.
An extorted air of peace and harmony sweeps the dirty streets
Pulling masks of frozen smiles over teary eyes.

My chest aches, my head spins, my heart stings.
My love sees it in my looks but asks not why. She knows.
I'm too drained to refute her suggestion to invite some friends.
A common meal with people who have things in common
Can't hurt — even though all my mind craves for is some rest.

And so I give in, put on my mask,
Pretending affinities with people I don't really know,
Regardless of my body's real needs.
The music played during the feast
Washes away my sorrows for a while.
Why spoil the evening with my selfish woes?
My dearest ones are near me at this annual day of judgment.
What else could I ask for? My blessing is safe.