Despite what people always say,
A brand new year begins on New Year’s Day,
And ends at midnight the next New Year’s Eve?
This is a mistake, I do believe!
Of all possible dates to begin a new year,
January first is the worst, I fear.
Only a week after Christmas Day?
With the tree still up? – “No way!” I say.
We’re all worn out from Christmas shopping,
And holiday parties without stopping,
Returning stuff that doesn’t fit,
And gifts we didn’t like one bit!
The days grow colder in January, yes they do,
There’s not much “new” to look forward to.
After all, keeping a resolution is harder to do
When the season is halfway through!
For me, the most obvious time of all,
To begin a new year – is right now – in the fall!
With a new school year underway,
We buckle down hard for a brand-new day.
Fall colors galore and fall foliage festivals, too
They always give us something new.
Yes, to everything, there is a season,
And those Friday Night Lights gives us a reason,
To kick things off and resolve to do,
A lot of things we look forward to.
Labor Day, Columbus Day and Thanksgiving-
This is surely a new time for living!
And in between, a night when goblins are seen
All dressed up, door-to-door, making Merry Halloween!
There’s hunting camp and a new deer season,
Bringing families together for a perfect reason.
And all across the Wilds, the harvest is in,
As we all give thanks. Let the feasting begin!
At last, autumn is here with all its trimmings
It is THE perfect time for NEW beginnings!
Our good Mother Nature is putting on quite a show,
With spectacular colors, from Warren to Wellsboro!
So, if you think it is sad to start a new year with this September Song,
You may be right, but as for me – you may be wrong!
Author: Ed Byers
A retired radio and TV newscaster, newspaper writer and corporate communications/media relations manager, Ed Byers is past President of the Associated Press Radio-TV Broadcasters Association and The Press Club of Cleveland. He is a former Forest County resident and current seasonal resident in the nearby Allegheny National Forest.