Homage

2013 is now only a "book" of memories. As is popular this time of year, I will pause a moment to remember some things that were lost in 2013. Then read the poem at the end to get a different perspective!

The literary world lost four giants - Tom Clancy, who has defined the military thriller; Elmore Leonard, whose novels had both tough characters and some lighthearted whimsy; Chinua Achebe, one of the first African authors to achieve critical and commercial success; and Doris Lessing whose direct, no-nonsense feminism paved the way for many more. On a more personal favorite, Frederik Pohl also passed away in 2013. His science fiction was part of the wave that popularized the genre in the 1940s and 1950s. I loved reading his "fantastic fiction" as a kid.

New Year’s Day

Just another day

Another sunrise; sunset

Given an artificial importance

Arbitrarily the start;

A new unit of time.

Therefore a day of resolutions,

Of promises and implorations,

Optimism, mostly misplaced,

And good intentions.

Probably better off

Making small changes,

Sticking to them,

At any time, on any day

Instead of this one

Whimsical day.