The Visitation © 2009 Barry Gardner

I roused from a deep slumber when
I herd the sound of old Big Ben
Then heard a knock upon the door
Just like a thousand times before
I opened up as in a dream
But there was no-one to be seen
So staring into cold night air
I nervously called out "Who's there?"
Then the visitor who I couldn't see
Spake forth in gentle tone to me

"I'm both a stranger and a friend
Who's come your way at Old Year's end
You'll want to know just why I'm here
I've come to bring you your New Year
To herald in a brand new dawn
To make you happy or forlorn
A year to bring you peace and joy
The sort you've dreamed of since a boy
Or one to bring you much duress
Be filled with tragedy and stress

But perhaps a bit of everything
The vagaries that chance can bring
As time ekes out your life on earth
Enjoy the good for all it's worth
But in the dark stand tall and proud
Don't spend the day with your head bowed
Not stand aggrieved in angry curse
There are plenty folk who'll have it worse
So hold forth to the nitty-gritty
Don't ever wallow in self-pity"

His next words make me stand aghast
He said "This year could be your last
Our heavenly father may decide
It's time that you with him abide
But don't you sit around and mope
for what I offer now is HOPE
Time alone can tell what will befall
Now I've many more on whom to call"
Then the presence left to the sound of strings
And the gentle beating of gossamer wings