A New Year Begins

New Year's Eve. 

Rio de Janeiro. 

Off Copacabana Beach. 

Cruise ships arc the harbor. 

Midnight.

Fireworks explode.

Oohs and aahs from rapt viewers.

Crescendo.

Silence descends.

Haze from the smoke blocks the lights from shore.

You are abruptly alone.

This intense loneliness lasts mere seconds, yet in those seconds, in those few precious seconds; all feel what they feel. 

Some are saddened. 

Some are swept away in thoughts of yesteryear. 

Tears appear; from joy or from pain, one can only surmise.

Cheers and shouts of Happy New Year bring you back.

Hugs and kisses ensue. 

Joy and laughter join in. 

All will be good. 

All will be well.

A New Year begins.