Every New Year's Eve
For as far back as I can remember
I always toasted with champagne
It was tradition
Soviet tradition

Break out the bubbly
Watch the ball drop in Times Square
From home
Or elsewhere
Or a club

Get ready to count down
To a New Year
With sparkles and fizz
But not this year

Glasses waiting for the crackle pop
Cork flying to the ceiling
Whizzing around the room
As people duck,
Laughing for cover

But not this year
2018 to 2019
I wanted a change
From old traditional
Something told me

You're at that place
Get the
Bourbon
The fizzy sweetness can wait
Till morning

You're a different person
Older, wiser
Drink something
You would at dinner
Tradition before or after

Bourbon
Drink the bourbon
At midnight
When the ball drops
In Times Square

When the new year is rung
When you're hugging loved ones
Then texting halfway around the globe
To friends you hold near & dear
With well wishes

It's 4am on New Year's Day
You're still awake
With ringing ears
Feet will let their own wail through
From those 3 inch heels

You have a path
To walk, to make happy, self
Breaking free from the usual
Smile, bring it on
Happy New Year!