In This New Year

Rain and snow fall softly in a silent blend
 A new year falls upon this gathering
 of friends, and we sing Auld Lang Syne
 We sit and laugh at our respective resolutions
 We'll change our weight, change our habits, change our fortunes
 But we all know that there are greater things that need to change
 But we push them all aside and say they're way beyond our range
 We analyze the problems, but still everything's the same
 But who's to know the good that could be done
 If we'd become Instruments of Peace in this New Year
 Now this war invades our hurried daily lives
 Pandora's box has opened, spilling hate and battle cries
 And as we pledge allegiance and we speak of love and tolerance
 Our politicians market war as just preemptive self-defense
 And if I disagree I might be charged with lack of common sense
 But I think all the battles could be won
 If we'd become Instruments of Peace in this New Year
 Somehow we've all learned to play this modern game
 To criticize and find somewhere else to place the blame
 And in our land of opportunity we feel this great distress
 When things don't measure up to our perceived entitlements
 But somehow we must try to turn our gaze around
 And look first deep within ourselves for that fertile ground
 Where we plant the seeds of change and come to see
 That we can be Instruments of Peace in this New Year