Ode to 2008

'Twas a mere two weeks before the end of a year

Filled with economic unrest and little to cheer

Or so it would seem, as the headlines screamed

"The sky is falling; this isn't a dream"

Unemployment is growing and jobs are not

Automakers are sinking; credit is shot

Politicians are falling in disgrace

While CEOs battle to save companies and face

Hard pressed to find good news, many despair

Some only complain, while others prepare

To weather the storm they trust will subside

As a New Year dawns and hope is revived

We have a new leader whose order is tall

To restore economic stability; to halt the fall

To unite opposing forces and come up with a plan

That returns opportunity to our great land

For now, the average American woman and man

Continues on, doing the best she or he can

Americans are resourceful, their spirits strong

Faced with hardship, they come together and move along

Reaching out to family and friends

Never losing hope that trials will end

There's always tomorrow; better days are ahead

Time to put this corny verse to bed

Seriously, it's been a tough year, but you're still standing, and so am I. For this, we should be grateful. I wish you the happiest of holidays and a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year. See you in 2009!