By Debbie Ogunjobi
One of the most recognisable tunes and song in history is “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s the song that welcomes every new year in and while the words are mostly mumbled by most revellers it’s an appropriate way to wish you all a happy new year. The Scottish brogue is very romantic and needs translation for a full understanding of Robert Burns’s classic poem.

What I love about the song is its celebration of the journey that has brought each and everyone one of us to that very stroke of midnight when a New Year makes it debut. I am sure a lot of people will make resolutions and while I fully support that and wish them all the best with it, I decided not to write anything that may colour anyone’s judgement.

What I want to do instead is to celebrate every reader and remind them to celebrate life and be thankful for the journey of their lives so far. No matter the challenges or triumphs, we have much to be thankful for.

We must give thanks for old friends, new friends, families and acquaintances. I am particularly thankful for an abundance of goodwill and even though the stroke of midnight of 1/1/11 is gone it’s never too late to look back with fondness. Enjoy the beauty of Auld Lang Syne…

Auld Lang Syne (by Robert Burns)

Should old friends be forgotten
and never remembered
Should old friends be forgotten
and the days they shared together

Chorus
For days now in the past, my dear
For days now in the past
We’ll drink a toast of kind remembrance
For days now in the past (For auld Lang Syne)

You can pay for your pint tankard
and I will pay for mine
We’ll drink a toast of kind remembrance
For days now in the past (For auld Lang Syne)

We two have run about the hillsides
and pulled wild daisies
but now we are far apart in distance
From those days now in the past (For auld Lang Syne)

We two have paddled in the stream
from morning until noon
but oceans now lie between us
since those days now in the past (For auld Lang Syne)

So take my hand, my trusty friend
and give me your hand
and we will take a hearty drink together
In memory of those days now in the past . (For auld Lang Syne)……..

In this year, I wish you the comfort of old friends and the excitement of new ones!

May you look back in kind remembrance,

May you move forward with hopeful anticipation.

May grace abound towards you and that is yours.

Happy New Year!!