I have arrived at an unnamed road

or so my GPS has told me

I laugh, I sigh, I nod

I have arrived at an unmarked road

or so I argue with my crusty old map

I frown, I bite, I agree

I have arrived at a closed off traffic circle

or so the looping voiceover warns me

I yell, I seek, I circle

I am caught in the perfect storm of mud, blinding rain and lightning

or so the emergency alert system advises me

I shelter, I run, I walk out

The roads are rocky and the streets are pebbled

The stairs are rickety and the elevators creaky

I hope, I push through, I persevere

May the new year be grand and bright

and may you succeed -even on a rocky road