A New Year Garland

Rainy Thursday eve:
       recycling bins on the curb;
not a sparkler in sight.

*

       The Ox would've been
first, arriving at the gathering.
       The rat jumped a ride.

*

You miss the dark hours 
      before morning, adorned in
tinfoil, rooster crow.

*

      Round things hold their own. 
Measured out in soft noodles,
      how long is a life?

*

Drinking together,
      remember to stop short
of the bitter dregs. 

*

     
      Much later in life,
you understand: the moon yields
      without giving up.