The year's almost over, the days slipping past,

Dawn to dusk in an inkling, it seems,

The minutes and hours rush by, fleet and fast,

Like images plucked out of dreams.

It's so hard to believe, it seems just yesterday

That we wished ourselves, "Happy New Year!"

Now the year has gone past, it has filtered away,

And January's hauntingly near.

The year's almost over, and sometimes the thought

Makes me anxious, frustrated and sad,

As I think of the pointless battles I've fought,

How I wasted the chances I had...

The year's almost over, but now I recall

Dear friends, how I so loved to be

Aware of their kindness and care, one and all,

Content in their sweet company.

There are things I have learned, and laughter I've shared,

And moments of joy and delight,

And times I've been moved to see someone cared,

Times darkness has turned into light.

The year's almost over, the days slipping past,

But I've cause to be thankful, it seems,

That bad times depart, and tears do not last,

And I still can believe in my dreams.

—— Deborah Mercer.