As the flame of another year flickers low,
burning embers of what-ifs float on passing breeze,
carrying all the dones and all the
didn’t dos into the dusk of the still waiting.
Early evenings, on the latest days,
fade into tomorrow’s plans and
gone-by dreams. And only
heaven knows why
it seems that nothing gets done,
just as everything happens.
Kiss the days goodbye.
Leave the year in the ashes of past
milestones and miseries, but
never stop looking for new
opportunities for more milestones.
Push through the miseries (you know they’ll come).
Question why they always seem to go hand in hand.
Regret nothing, if you tried.
Savour everything, even if you didn’t succeed.
Take your best moments with you. They weigh nothing.
Unload the baggage. It weighs you down.
Voyage on, but remember,
when you work too hard at crossing off the
X’s, it’s likely you’ll miss some of the Ohs! Accept that what’s
yearned for is not always what’s meant to be. Accept that you have
zero control of what fate will bring and carry with you zero regrets.
About the Creator
Cathy holmes
Canadian family girl with a recently discovered love for writing. Other loves include animals and sports.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (18)
This was so good, I'm glad you told me it was an abecedarian or I wouldn't have spotted it!
Agree! I was too busy introspecting to notice the ABCDs! Clever! And have a blessed new year!
I got to Q before I realized this was an abecedarian! Beautiful reflections, Cathy! Happy New Year!
Beautifully reflective and inspiring! It captures the bittersweet essence of endings and beginnings with a poetic flow. A perfect reminder to embrace both the struggles and joys of the journey ahead.💕✨
What a mantra for the coming year! Happy New Year, Cathy!
Awesome, what an inspirational way to leave one year and begin another. Love these lines: 'Take your best moments with you. They weigh nothing. Unload the baggage. It weighs you down.'
This was so good Cathy. I loved the line about taking the best moments with you. So positive. Happy (early) new year to you!
Oh my, this was splendid! If you didn't mention it was an Abecedarian, I'd not have guessed it until I reached the X, because you made it have such a smooth flow. Loved your poem!
Oh boy, I feel a Top Story in this Cathy!! I loved it and these lines especially: burning embers of what-ifs float on passing breeze, carrying all the dones and all the didn’t dos into the dusk of the still waiting.
Regret nothing, if you tried.I love this line. Excellent advice for sure
Ch - Your creative contributions make me want to open the page to Vocal each day..! J.bud.in.l.a
Aw, this is marvelous. So well done. Truthful, wise, and inspiring 💙💙
Yes, accept the zero control. We're the lost sock in the spin cycle.
Cathy, I absolutely adore this and love that you managed to shape it into an abecedarian!!
Here here!!! I simply hope that my fate is a little more palomino pony rather than bucking bronco this year. Whatever, I shall, always make the most of the ride!
Brilliantly-penned Cathy! Thx 4 the pep talk friend! It truly inspired me! Happy 2025!! 🎊🧨💃🏾
💙
"Take your best moments with you. They weigh nothing." This line, fittingly, is as weightless as it is profound. A lovely poem with which to end the year, Cathy!