Rose Parade 2026
by Michael Doyle

Every new year, we gather around the nation
To enjoy the Rose Parade celebration.
The thought that I've done this nearly 63 years
Brings a slight trickle of champion's tears.

I'm just a little bit missing my daughters,
I suppose that's just the path of the modern father.
A rain-kissed Pasadena wishes us a happy new year.
The crowds there are filled with an iconic cheer.

Magic Johnson came to celebrate the dream
Of what it means to be one with the team.
With rain gear fully ready and adorned,
The fans there came prepared for the morn.

The sound going out was not a thrill,
But Disney and the Marine band brought back the thrill.
It was once easy to believe in San Francisco,
But now that seems so very long ago.

What would the parade be without horses and bands?
It's an annual expectation across the land.
We see reminders of America's beautiful scenery,
And from time to time, we are part of history.

If there's a prevailing message, it seems to be,
Kindness and love are something to be given freely.
Maybe it is that which gives me a kind of therapy.
All I really know is that it feels good and magical to me. 

The parade is a continuous bloom of creativity.
Every moment makes up hours of levity.
The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales appear to tower
While float after float seeks to empower.

There are horse riders from nearly every state,
They are between the floral floats that are first-rate.
Accepting the rain shower, no performer seems to miss a beat,
Though a horse did seem to slip its footing on the street.

The Court came along with its sitting Queen,
Always faithful to the latest All-American dream.
Being magical requires working together,
And when we do, it's always something a bit better.

As the singer sang, "Son-of-A-Gun"
This parade turned out to be big fun.
From a pancake breakfast to a full-course dinner,
It looks like 2026 is a year for the winners.

There's a lot of depth and structure in the designs
Of these floats. one after another down the line.
I love this parade and how it brings America together.
My fervent prayer is that it keeps getting better.

(c) January 1, 2026   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved