I awoke Tuesday morning, walked over to my typewriter, and sat at my desk. Without thinking much, I began writing the words that came to mind. This is what arrived:

I see it as an opening statement of sorts, a capturing of the first few moments of the new age. A toast.

I wanted to confront the use of “another trip around the sun,” a cliche too often used that has, quite frankly, left me tired. So I opted for what came up instead, a picture of hope I never expected. Here is to year 26.