You don't need me to say it. It's been a turbulent time on the world's stage this year, with conflicts and catastrophes. If only it really was a stage and we could pelt the 'bad-guy' players with over-ripe tomatoes and rotten eggs, and make them clear right off. Unlikely. Well, we might feel our efforts go nowhere, but I believe that being present, acknowledging, not forgetting, helps. Whether that's writing to our MP or peacefully attending demonstrations, or giving to charities like War Child, Oxfam, UNRWA, MAP - it all helps. Read widely. Don't be blinkered or shuttered in your views. My new MP responded fully and positively to my email about the situation in Gaza, addressing my concerns about the carnage - the genocide - there, and he has been pro-active in parliament on the subject, too. I appreciate his efforts and thank him for that.
I could be negative. I remember the demonstrations and dissent just over twenty years ago. A million demonstrating, urging the government - Don't attack Iraq! That didn't go well, did it? But what else can ordinary individuals do? Ditto with climate action. Yet, at this year end, it's good to take stock and recognise that we can play our part (that stage metaphor again), even if it is just a tiny part. With positivity, maybe we can help bring about peace in the world's major war zones in 2025. The earliest part of it, hopefully. And take urgent action to prevent climate catastrophe.
Closer to home, 2024 has been a year of many blessings for me. Mostly family-related. I'm lucky to be surrounded by many loved ones. When I was a child, I assumed I'd grow up and be a mum - girl children did, then - but I never dreamed of this sense of security and belonging I have at age 69, living with a loving partner for almost fifty years, with this world-wide web of children, grand-children, siblings, cousins - and a much-loved and valued network of friends. Thank you, all of you.
Of course, there have been mires and bogs and quicksands and scratchy patches of densely packed trees to scramble through. Every year has them. But beyond that, if we ever get a glimpse between those bin-bag clouds, there's a blue sky and bright sunshine, and lungs to be filled with fresh air, and even in the city you can see some stars at night. And if not this night, tomorrow night.
Creatively, this year, I've enjoyed a few special poetry successes, including poems in New Writing Scotland, Poetry Scotland and in Dreich's final issue, 100B. And I've just heard that Hedgehog Press have nominated my poem 'When the train slowed' - published by them in their Little Black Books series - for consideration for the Pushcart Prize. My chances of winning are slim, but I'll take them! My thanks to all the editors who've considered my writing over this past year. I love you for it.
And that's it! Whatever the next year brings us, let's approach it with positivity and hope for the best!
Lang may yer lum reek! A guid new year tae yin an aw, and many may ye see.
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