I close the door on 2024,
Not with regret, but with a steady hand.
This year tried me, shaped me,
Forced me to stand taller than I thought I could.

The weight of its lessons,
Heavy at times, but necessary,
Pressed against my shoulders,
And I carried it, step by step.

There were moments I stumbled,
Moments I wanted to turn back.
But I’ve learned you can’t grow by standing still—
You’ve got to move, even when it’s hard.

Faith kept me grounded,
Love for my family kept me steady,
And every late-night thought
Turned into a quiet prayer for better days.

Now I’m here, at the threshold.
One hand on the door,
The other reaching for tomorrow.
2025 is calling my name,
And I’m walking in with everything I’ve learned,
Leaving 2024 behind,
Like a chapter in a book I’ve finished reading.

This isn’t the end—
It’s just the start of another climb.
But for now, the door is closed,
And I’m ready.

© Dec. 28, 2024, by Nelly Vee

Word Prompt: “Leaving 2024, I Close That Door,” inspired by “Let’s Poet”
— A virtual open mic broadcast.