Thread: Auld lang syne

As 2010 draws to a close and 2011 is beginning to appear on the horizon, I wish to stop a moment and express a few thoughts.* When the hustle and bustle ceases, the sun has been set for many hours, the roads are empty and the masses have been asleep for some time, I love to go for a walk outside.* My favorite time to do this is on Christmas eve and there is a fresh blanket of snow underfoot.* The air smells crisp, the night is silent, and the snow muffles all sound.* It is in this moment that all in the world seems to be right, if even only for that one moment.* In that moment I will remember all that has transpired over the last many months.* We are saying good bye to 2010, and looking onward to 2011. I am reminded, this year especially, of the words of a very old Scottish poem “Auld Lang Syne”.** This poem was written by Robert Burns in 1788 and though not in its original version, has become iconic for this time of year.* I wish to point out the words to this poem.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old times since ?
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 us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Literally “Auld lang syne” means “long time since”.* My favorite line is “ And there’s a hand my trusty friend, And give us a hand o’ thine, And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.” The point of this poem is that we should raise a glass and remember old times past, remember the moment we are in right now, and remember the ones we have yet to share.* There have been many of these moments this year, in years past, and will be many more to come.* Many people have come into and gone out of our lives, many experiences have been shared, and many more are to come.* I hope that this holiday season you are able to find that place where all is right for you, if even for a moment. Walk outside in the crisp holiday air (or the hot humid air for our friends in the southern hemisphere), take in each moment and place it in your memory for years to come.* So as you celebrate the holidays this year, raise a glass to those in your lives this year, in years past, and in years to come.* I wish you all a very safe and happy holiday season …

and oh yes
Auld lang syne.*
Cheers!

Glenn