Goodbye 2018! Poem by Bernedita Rosinha Pinto

The Year kept changing the demography of the world
as the running refugees kept adapting themselves
to new homes, new climates and new countries
gaining safety, freedom, food, shelter, clothing and education
while the war kept raging back home in Syria
like a haystack on fire which never ceases.

Nothing could prevent enemies from seeking friendship
as world leaders kept shaking hands trying to curb
war, nuclear weapons and terror threats
yet the medley of Brexit, international conferences continued
asking for political changes and stability
to promote unity in their own strength
and independence in their own future and economy.

While international games of football brought
together many nations and many spectators from the world together
to one place called Moscow -
a beaming crowd there shared common happiness
when another team won and the audience though from
different nations cheered in unison as they witnessed
the victory and glory of the World Cup Finals.

Nothing changes the color of human blood
and its attachment to humanity;
it is only time that brings forth
new advances over the same adventures
just like a Christmas party that gets celebrated
all over the world with same enthusiasm
or just like episodes and demises
like the earthquake or tsunami in Bali
or like the global sympathy over the death of a popular President.

The Television news and newspapers keep sneaking
every detail and information
to gain public mileage and attention
to the mundane realities by additional gossip
even by making Princes more popular than their famous spouses;
but the year silently does its duty
by changing its clock-hands of months
beginning from January it wades its way to December
just before anyone even realizes it.

The twelve months elapse
taking away savings, incurring losses,
making poor man poorer and rich man beggars
yet man keeps generating new incomes
and new heroes keep appearing on Forbe's List year after year;
but the common man keeps cutting his birthday cake with gusto
while the Priest keeps laying the departed to rest with sorrow
and as one keeps celebrating, other keeps to tears
yet the year never changes its rhythm.

And as months keep pushing the year to an end
without even alerting or waiting for those who are left behind
all live on the shore of the sea called survival;
and as man may stride in caution every mile he walks
that is what makes all the difference to
whether he chooses to be happy or sad,
whether he chooses to be humble or proud.
or whether he chooses to be winner or loser, in the end.

The year keeps reminding everyone of everything
compelling each one to enhance his or her life
by achieving self-satisfaction, safety and peace;
for life once lost, can never be re-lived
the year once past, can never be re-called
and though man tends to forget what he has heard or seen
months keep spinning man's emotions, intentions and decisions
leading his mind to new directions, dimensions and diversities
yet the world stands unitedly to bid adieu to the year that passes
and ushers in the new year with new hopes and fresh dreams.