As the holy day approaches
     and the second millennium rolls to an end,
I sit and wonder if I've reached 
     any set goal I had aspired to achieve.
Did I learn how to write?
Did I forget how to fight?
Did I always do what was right?
     Uncertainty is sure,
          but only time will tell rings in my just reward.

Did you find a higher paying job? 
     One that would employ your skills and talents?
Did the woman who won your heart
     receive the gifts you excitedly envisioned?
Was your love strong enough to overcome
     the uncaring breaks thrown before your path?
Or were you man enough to pick yourself up and try again?

Defeat is not giving it your all,
     and failure is not taking your best shot.
Life offers no one everything,
     but life does promise everyone something--aspiration--
          that is, as long as you're willing to take a good run of it;
               otherwise, it'll all be for naught.

Did you find higher learning?
     Reach a grade of acceptance and yearning?
Did you forgive those who caused you pain,
     even when it wasn't to your liking?
Was your will strong enough to fend off
     transgressions that resulted in the loss of friends?
Or were you human enough to right the wrongs
     cared to be shared before your enemies?

As this holy day approaches
     and the third millennium rolls in,
I feel all has been forgiven.
     Life is only for the living.
I now sit and pray to reach
     all dreams that I've dared to dream.
Did I take time to let mother know everything was fine
     and did I say how much I still love and miss her?
Did I learn how to ignore the pain when it seeps into my heart,
     even when it threatens to tear my life apart?
Did I do what was always right?
     Certainty is sure, for during this time of year the air is pure, 
          and I lose my fears to the clear star filled winter night sky, 
               while life's rewards are best spent with family and friends
                    during the magic and hope of these holy holidays.

-- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You All
Carmen L Tassone
December 25, 2000