In the first thing, the stage directions are from the actors' perspectives, looking out at the audience (I'm an impatient writer; it needs polishing; just think of it as reflecting my personality, a diamond in the rough which abhors polishing wheels ;-)  In the second thing, enjoy Leon, Merv, and Johnny.  Happy New Year.  I hope 2008 finds us all in a better place.

New Year

The Babe awaits offstage.
Its coos and cries grow louder.
On stage, the spot follows the Old Man
as He moves stage right
and delivers his parting lines.
A second spot shines stage left,
and the first small hand is seen,
as the Babe emerges from the wings.
Before His final exit,
the Old Man looks back and sees
promise, hopes, and dreams;
some were realized, and some were not, and some yet may be.
The spot stage right fades to black,
and only the Babe remains.

Auld Lang Syne