Here it is another New Year.
We’ve passed from 98 to 99.
What was last year like for me?
For the most part, ‘mighty fine’.

Hunger was not part of it
Unless I chose not to eat.
I did not suffer from winter cold
But didn’t like the summer heat.

To the doctor I had to go
Only a short walk there and back.
No particular problems.
Just a flu shot and this and that.

My teeth I spent money on
As I usually do.
I have three dentists
But generally only visit two.

Three trips I made in 98
Twice to Illinois by bus and train.
Then two weeks in Mexico -
Going to Guadalajara by plane.

I shuddered as I wrote the checks
For these and other bills.
Groceries, lights, gas, water,
But also high blood pressure pills.

But somehow at the year end
There was some unspent money.
Considering all I did
That was really funny.

Yes, 1998 was pretty good.
For me and maybe other folk.
But my sister might disagree
For her husband had a stroke!

Not a happy way to end a poem.

jhs