by Alexander Walls

The year is at an end and we must ask:
What has been done, achieved, maintained, or lost.
To answer this could be an easy task –
These things have been achieved, but at what cost?

Astounded by developments I stand;
I have witnessed such certain selfishness
Yet also acts of great kindness – the grand
Gestures that can save us from helplessness.

Progress for one, regression for others,
For joy and sorrow – they go hand in hand;
Each action has an effect, which colours
Light or dark, leaving the glad or the damned.

Change is a given, a constant (somehow).
Who am I to stand, static, in its way?
My own opinions, I will not avow.
The situations can do all but stay

Static, immobile, unchanging.  Daily
One thinks of one’s lost opportunities,
The actions that are destined to fail thee,
All across our different communities.  

Progress is made, or it is not.
It’s up to one, to choose one’s lot.