YOU MAKE IT A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Salvatore Salerno, Poet Laureate of Modesto
Bring out those whistles and bells,
Pour the champagne and raise your glass,
Ring out the battered, bedraggled Old Year,
Cheer for 12 months that you can make new!
Out with the false, and in with the true!
Believe in what actually happens
And not in that unproven chatter.
Act upon choices that help all of us;
This world is worthy of more than just you.
Out with the bad, and in with the good!
Don’t rush out to put up your fists,
But reach out to offer your hands.
Act with patience and care, just as if
You’re part of Modesto’s neighborhood.
Out with the ugly, and in with the fair!
Plant a garden made from your style,
Donate some goods or clean up a trail.
Beauty your life for others to share,
As you do for trees, your water and air.
Go, sing and play some welcome-in tunes,
Gather your family and friends once again,
Send out that broken-down, bad Old Year,
And do better yourself for Two-Oh-Two-Two!
