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Print Does anyone remember Y2K? Whatever happened to that year? And Y2K+1, +2…well, you get the idea. The years speed past in a blur. Here we are at the halfway point through another decade, so how about pausing to reflect on five essential poems to start your year off right. Auld Lang Syne Burns is regarded as the author of this century’s old masterpiece because he is the one who wrote it down in such a manner that it actually merited regard! Although the original text is somewhat difficult because it’s written in an enigmatic Scottish dialect, every New Year must begin with a knowing nod to this classic poem. According to www.howstuffworks.com, it literally means “old long since” and has come to mean “old times past.” Apparently, Guy Lombardo added the tune to his band’s New Year’s Eve set list, and over the years it has become a New Years staple. Here’s the first verse, by far the easiest to read: Should auld acquaintance be forgot from
On the
Atomic Bomb As if your puny gadget Narrow and long it stretches, This poem seems hauntingly appropriate as we begin a new year reminded not only of the realities of war, but also of the dreadful awe of natural disasters. Here Lewis reminds us that possible tragedy greets every generation, but the most tragic event of them all is to live a life oblivious to what is most precious in life. Lewis is not known for his poetry, but there is something disturbingly beautiful and reassuring in these lines. Life, Inc. She’s an up-and-coming Christian artist on an independent record label, and if my vote counts for anything she’ll be on every Adult Contemporary radio station by Spring. Mia Kim has that oh-so-elusive talent of writing material that is memorable for its singability, yet is also so creatively crafted that it can stand alone as poetry (ever heard of Sting?). This one is particularly notable as we begin 2005 because it reminds us in a not-so-subtle way that there’s more to our lives than living them in the fast lane. Here’s a portion: Welcome, to life incorporated Psalm 1 1
Blessed is the man 2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, 3
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, Irish Blessing May the
road rise up to meet you. Well said. Godspeed and blessings for a prosperous year.
ninetyandnine.com © 2005 David Bunch ----------- David Bunch rang in the new year by drinking a cup of coffee and performing his unwieldy version of the “funky chicken.” Sources 1. Auld Lang Syne from Robert Burns: The Scottish Bard, 1999 Gramercy Books, pg 66 2. On the Atomic Bomb from The Essential C.S. Lewis, Lyle W. Dorsett, editor, 1988 Touchtone Books, pg 418 3. Life, Inc. from the album Rumor of Flight. http://www.miakimonline.com/ 4. Psalm 1 from The Holy Bible (New International Version) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/index.php?search=psalms 1&version=31 5. Irish Blessing, traditional |
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