The poem reflects on how the narrator's life changed dramatically in the past year. Previously, the narrator felt alone, lonely, and like they would never find love or get married. However, within the past year, the narrator found love, fell in love, and is now no longer alone or worried about missing opportunities. The poem emphasizes how much can change in just one year.

1. A Year Ago
By: Nathanael W. Dungan
11/12/03
There was a time when I was alone and lonely.
There was a time I thought I’d be that way forever.
But that was a year ago.
There was a time when I searched for my true love.
There was a time when I thought I’d never find her.
But that was a year ago.
There was a time when I saw all of my friends fall in love.
There was a time when I thought I’d never experience it.
But that was a year ago.
There was a time when I watched others decide to marry.
There was a time when I thought I’d missed my opportunity.
But that was a year ago.
What a difference a year makes.
Now I am no longer alone and lonely.
Now I know I won’t be that way forever.
What a difference a year makes.
Now I no longer search for my true love.
Now I know for certain that I have found her.
What a difference a year makes.
Now I, too, have fallen in love.
Now I know what it feels like to experience it.
What a difference a year makes.
Now I have found the one I want to marry.
Now I know that my opportunity was not lost.