What must a new year mean
To humans striving to cope
Inhabiting this unique planet
Buoyed by the winds of hope

For the rich and the super affluent
It is wish for the balance in the bank
To grow relentlessly through the year
And help to increase their rank

For those incorrigible politicians
It is the search for spoils of power
Through the bullet or the ballot
Whatever answers their prayer

For the young and the trendy
Wishing for the new year
To go by without any bother
And without a morsel of care

For the destitute on the streets
It is the hope of a meal a day
Which fills their listless eyes
As they look up to the sky to pray

For you and me and others like us
It may be just health and happiness
And some camaraderie and brotherhood
To celebrate in a spirit of oneness

Subir Chakraborty / 1st Jan 2019