and... WHEW - We MADE it!
I've been ever so grateful for the Poetry Friday community during such a tumultuous year, and I look forward to what 2021 might bring.
At the risk of "DUH - that's a cliche," the phrase that's been playing in my mind since our ritual family Christmas Eve viewing of It's a Wonderful Life has been the proverbial "cup of kindness." We all need to raise each other's spirits, whether we're raising alcholic spirits or not. So, my obvious poem choice today would be the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne.
You'll remember these late 18th-Century lines are attrributed to Robert Burns, Scotland's National Poet. You can read about previous similar lines/themes/influences in this Encyclopedia Brittanica article. Did Rabbie Burns actually pen them, and exactly thus? Not totally sure. But they're always worth bringing out into the twinkling lights, to wrap ourselves up in like a new holiday robe:
Auld Lang Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And old lang syne?
(Chorus)
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
And surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
We two have run about the slopes,
And picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
Since auld lang syne.
We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since auld lang syne.
And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
For auld lang syne.
CHEERS to you and yours. Or as we learned to say in Scotland, Slàinte mhath (Pronounced slan-ge-var - here's a fun link with some background on meanings & pronunciation & such. OR - just ask Jone MacCulloch, who has had to postpone her trip to Scotland but, when she does go, will be armed with all the lovely Scottish Gaelic she's been learning!)
Warmest wishes all around, and here's to brighter days. Our wonderful Ruth has the Roundup today at There is No Such Thing as a Godforsaken Town. Thanks, Ruth!