in bed by ten

this year you plan
on staying up past ten on new
years eve.
you make a vow
to stay awake, drink plenty
of coffee, extra
strong, black and hot.
you make your house cold
opening the front and back
windows.
this year you will join in
the excitement of the countdown.
you have a horn,
and one of those whistle things
that extend when you blow it,
tinsel swirling at the end.
you turn the tv on
and wait for dick clark
and his gala from times square.
how does he stay so young looking?
bastard.
you pop a bottle of champagne
and let the dog
up on the bed. but where's
dick. what?
he's dead?
how did you miss knowing that?