2025 Year of Surprises and Nostalgia
The internet gives us unbounded access to “knowledge:”
but – at the same time leaves us ignorant and in our own bubbles.
That’s why knowledge and empathy through books – through all the Arts: poetry, music, art,, film, matters so greatly. Otherwise our worlds are limited. To celebrate our diversity and connectedness.
(The UK apparently is a rich country – when I wonder if this is true, where is the money?)
Ignorance is a terrible weakness. Different cultures and identities can sit side by side – why does one culture have to be better or superior? We are stronger for our diversity.
In the new year 2026 - I hope for greater empathy and understandings through the Arts.
NOSTALGIA
Its so easy to be nostalgic at Christmas,
remembering all the past Christmases,
looking up old photos and friendships,
of the time ticking by,
the past years endings and all that it meant,
the memories, the highs and the lows.
Making new plans, new resolutions, expectations
of what the new year may offer….
PK
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Long Memory
I shake out the dusty distance between the lost long ago times.
There’s the National songbooks faded now a deep brown,
There‘s the thought of back when the world was bright and new.
I thought back then
There was so much time,
I took for easy granted,
Never looking too far behind,
Often too easily uncaring and reckless,
Forgetting time passes us all goodbye.
I remember singing those well loved Burns songs -
Ye banks and braes o bonny doon
How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair,
How can ye chant ye little birds
And I sae weary full o care.
Ye’ll break my heart ye warbling birds,
That wanton trough the thorny trees,
Ye mind me o departed joys,
Departed never to return.
And iconic pop tunes,
Joni Mitchell, Elton John, the Beatles,
Of Mozart and Beethoven classics,
All accompanied me in my safe place.
PK
November 2025
