New Year’s Eve 2025

I don’t mind the ups and downs 

taking laps around the high school 

when snow keeps me off the track

The numbered parking spaces 

keep me company

reminding me every step counts

Reminding me of the charts 

we used to play in Sam’s band 

when I was in my teens and early 20s

I always say thank you 

To the low hundreds on the hill, 

descending the side of the building

while walking out of breath back to my car

One twenty-five: Cherry Pink 

(and Apple Blossom White)

might’ve been a stock arrangement

Four-bar intro

then Dad playing the Billy Regis trumpet part straight

while I provided the proper punctuation 

for the dancers …

one-two, cha-cha-cha

one-two, cha-cha-cha

One twenty-four: Tuxedo Junction

one of Dad’s favs, which made it one of mine

we kept the intro polite

Holding it back ‘til

it was time for church

Dad’s eyes closed, spirit moving

Taking chorus after chorus

going back for seconds and flatted thirds

bending notes that would’ve made Glenn Miller blush

Wrapping it all up with … 

One seventeen and theme:

C’est Si Bon

“Lovers say that in France”

Us playing soft two-beat behind Alice

Before swingin’ it into four 

How I loved kickin’ the trumpets

“Every word, every sigh, every kiss … “

Pow … Pow … “Dear” … 

“Leaves you on-ly one thought … and it’s this … dear ….” 

Taking my New Year’s Eve laps as three-song sets

still humming Auld Lang Syne climbing back into the car

after shaking hands once again on the bandstand