Jane writes:
I first bought an album by Kathryn Williams in the year 2000. That is such a scary thought. It remains a firm favourite, and it also happens to have some excellent cello playing in it. What’s not to love.
Imagine my joy then, when it became clear that she had recently collaborated with Carol Ann Duffy – of the Poet Laureate fame – on a seasonal album.
I love the NEW in new music but I have an on-off relationship with the idea of New Year and the associated celebrations. I have tales of bad parties, endlessly depressing hours in bed wishing life away, fabulous fun with dear friends at Ten Pin bowling, Safari Suppers, family laughter, fireworks, sofa-weeping, and a now-infamous story of seeing in the New Year with a gang of people drinking cups of tea on a settee with no-one making any kind of effort! My view is, if you’re going to bother then bother, and if you’re not then don’t – but whatever you chose don’t do half of it. I wonder what you did a few days ago?
12 cold gold bells rang so we formed a circle with our hands
So when you’re with people – the enforced mad joy of Auld Lang Syne, kissing the cheeks of those you know (and maybe the odd one you don’t), and raising a glass to absent friends seems really important in terms of ritual. Something that’s been disrupted along with many other aspects of life these last 2 years. Step in then Kathryn and Carol:
I could wish you wealth
But I wish you health
Without you here I wouldn’t be myself when
The brand new year arrives
Here you go
Mind how you go
a fresh start for everyone
In the midnight chorus of our united hearts
There is a little bit of something that brings pressure with New Year. The need to be a better version of yourself – when you have only just managed to hang on to the last one. The need to put stuff behind you that you haven’t even started to get to grips with. The need to be optimistic about the days and months to come, when frankly the pattern of the last lot has left little to be desired. BUT. There is something kind of refreshing about it too though. A ‘circle of life’ thing (yes I know but it’s not a track for today). A new perspective. A chance for new commitments and if you want to take it – a hope in it being different.
So maybe have your praying head on each day. Pray for good health for those you love, those you don’t, and those that try to help. Mind, body and soul. Oh and pray for wealth too – I don’t mean vast amounts – just enough to end the perpetual poverty faced by half the known world. Oh, and pray that people may be united in heart and not only interested in themselves. Oh, and if you need praying for then be assured there’s a ton of people out there doing it and you can rest in their energy and the love of God that comes with it.
The midnight chorus carrying on day after day.
Mind how you go!
You can find out more about Kathryn Williams here https://www.kathrynwilliams.co.uk/
Carol Ann Duffy here https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poet/carol-ann-duffy/
The Friday Fix 