January's First Step



“For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.”
― T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets

I have torn the last page
from the damnable year
that brought lessons I am
not sure I learned.

A vocabulary of pain will not
be my companion as I cross the
threshold of a new calendar.

Why would I wish to greet January
with sooted lashes crying
of spilt milk and yesterday’s words?

The path before me has no footprints,
no can’t, no rewinding, no history.

My journey waits for me to take
that first step with the boldness of hope,
and the wisdom to know joy will not
abandon me if happy finds it
has mountains to climb.

©Susie Clevenger 2015 

"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come,
 whispering,  'It will be happier."  Alfred Lord Tennyson

Comments

Maude Lynn said…
Amen, amen, and amen!
brudberg said…
Oh I like how you put your poem between the two quotes, moving gradually from pessimism to optimism. Wonderful words...
Kerry O'Connor said…
Gosh! Those first 4 lines should be written across the sky...
Other Mary said…
I love your progression from the first quote to the second, as hope your year progresses as well. xx
SuyashJ said…
beautiful. we must leave behind all the pain of last year.
Susan said…
"...joy will not
abandon me if happy finds it
has mountains to climb."

I take it that a challenge is required, though not one that brings us to the breaking point. Your words go right to my heart.
Anonymous said…
"The path before me has no footprints, no can’t, no rewinding, no history." Inspiring.
Wolfsrosebud said…
great freshness in the New Year and this piece... loved the joy of moving forward
Anonymous said…
Agree with all commentators and the poem itself-- and hard to look as a challenge as a challenge and not an obstacle, but really only way to move forward. k.
Kay L. Davies said…
I love what Bjorn said...moving gradually from pessimism to optimism, from the first quotation to the second. Yes, wonderful words indeed.
If the old year gave us nothing more, between our bouts with pain and fear, it gave me you as a friend, and for that I'll always remember 2014.
Perhaps 2015 will be the year we meet.
Love, K
Sherry Blue Sky said…
A FANTASTIC write. I love the hope, the courage, and the heart that knows happy will not abandon you "if it finds it has mountains to climb." Brilliant, Susie!
Magaly Guerrero said…
Milk shall only be used to make ice cream. No spilling. ♥
Jennifer Wagner said…
Couldn't have said it better myself. Bookmarking this!
Unknown said…
It is so true that we create our own pathways and footprints within the "milk" that you mention. Time to take a breather and exhale all those stressors that are upon our chests. Like balloons full of air waiting to be extinguished in the fire. Great poem Susie! :)
Margaret said…
I will tear that last page from 2014 as well and from across the room slam dunk it in the trash can as well! Love the bold dash for happiness in 2015!
humbird said…
First steps are always rewarding, next just to decide in which direction to move...hope your New 2015, Susie, will be successful one year! Much Love! x
Amrit Sinha said…
Have a great 2015 :-)
Hannah said…
Yes!! Your closing sentiment... is stated so well, "the wisdom to know joy will not abandon me if happy finds it has mountains to climb." Sometimes that's the only way to happy. :) Beautiful writing, Susie!