Do you dream in the wee small hours

between this year and the next?

When the past recedes, its minutes

darkening shadows of regrets.

Do you glimpse the spirit of your other self

and pausing, consider which coat you wear?

Which hat, which shoes, which life –

your choice. Simply ask yourself, ‘Do I dare?’

When failure tightens a noose around your neck

and tethers ivy twine about your feet,

does fear, unhindered caress your hands? Then do you

unshackle; do you risk all, while your heart still beats?

Do you step up? And out at Hogmanay,

and promise, whispered clear,

to be the better Bestest you.

Or bend and wilt away another year?