villanelle for an adult birthday

now say good riddance to the year gone by

at one more fading of the foolish light

with full rejoicing that you did not die

tomorrow sun will rise on the same sky

and yours will be the task to get things right

now say good riddance to the year gone by

do not dwell long on how it seemed to fly

right past your thought and your diminished might

with full rejoicing that you did not die

get on your feet and led the hard words lie

just keep in mind that things could be less bright

now say good riddance to the year gone by

and get on with the stuff you can't deny

the tasks the pile up and the work not slight

with full rejoicing that you did not die

in dreamless sleep where all thought had run dry

you live for now don't rush the longest night

now say good riddance to the year gone by

with full rejoicing that you did not die