New Year, don’t be startled by our fireworks,
our shouts. The last thing in the world we want
is to frighten you. It’s your first day on the job.
Welcome to Kingston. You have a stack of souls
who must be born this year, and another stack
will perish. The largest pile on your desk consists
of those carrying on as usual. New Year,
why are you trembling? Come closer, I promise
we won’t hurt you. I know our darkened woods
these days have more dark than woods but still
our grass sleeps in its green hut and still
our little swan of hope floats across its pond.
About this Poem
Jason Heroux read his new poem “New Year” at the January 1, 2020 Mayor’s Levee. For each year of their appointment the Poet Laureate for the City of Kingston writes one new original poem that addresses or reflects one or more aspects of life in the City. They read this poem at the Mayor’s annual Levee on New Year’s Day. At last year’s Levee Jason read his poem “I Woke Up In My City”.
Jason’s most recent collection of poetry at KFPL is his 2016 Hard Work Cheering Up Sad Machines. You can find more of his poetry and his fiction in the KFPL catalogue.
