Turning of the Year

We never know if the turn

is into the home stretch.

We call it that—a stretch

of place and time—

with vision of straining,

racing. We acknowledge

each turn with cheers

though we don’t know

how many laps remain.

But we can hope the course

leads on far and clear

while the horses have strength

and balance on their lean legs,

fine-tuned muscles, desire

for the length of the run.

Some may find the year smooth,

others stumble at obstacles

along the way. We never know

if the finish line will be reached

after faltering, slowing,

or in mid-stride, leaping forward.

Copyright Credit: Poem copyright ©2012 by Judy Ray, “Turning of the Year,” from The Whirlybird Anthology of Kansas City Writers, (Whirlybird Press, 2012). Poem reprinted by permission of Judy Ray and the publisher.