we got here at last

that time of year

they cannot ruin

even though

they will try

they must pause now

in the midst of toasts

to worry some

that we celebrate

love and joy

in spite of their hate

that people have

this in them

a power beyond

their grasp

they have taken

all the money

and still they feel

no love nor joy

god bless us everyone

yes even them

haunted this eve

by the ghosts

they have made

of their lives

Peter Buknatski

Montpelier, Vt