Tuesday 28 December 2010

Last Year's Words


In these days that end the old year, many people I speak to talk of how difficult or stressful 2010 has been. They have all experienced endings: deaths of loved ones, both human and furry; divorces or relationship endings; ending bad habits or moving from a house they've lived in for thirty years or a job they thought they'd never leave.

As sad and heartrending as many of these endings are, endings are simply a way for the old to make way for the new.

As the great poet T S Eliot says:

"These things have served their purpose: let them be.
So with your own, and pray they be forgiven
By others, as I pray you to forgive
Both bad and good. Last season's fruit is eaten
And the full-fed beast shall kick the empty pail.
For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.

What we call the beginning is often the end
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
The end is where we start from."
                from “Little Gidding” (Quartet No 4)

I wish you a new year of more beginnings than endings; beginnings that are sung in a fresh and hopeful voice. May 2011 be a year of peace and love for both ourselves and our world.

Free Image from ClipArt

16 comments:

Helen Ginger said...

Love your final paragraph. We're one of those families who had more endings than beginnings. But I still am looking forward to 2011.

I hope you have a wonderful new year.

Nancy J. Parra said...

This is lovely and brilliant!
Thank you. I'm glad you are my long distance friend. I hope your new year is full on wonderful things. Cheers~

Judith Mercado said...

May the new year ring in reinforcements for your stalwart and resilient spirit because, selfishly speaking, we need ya.
Judy

Marilyn Brant said...

Judy, thank you so much -- that T.S. Eliot poem is *exactly* what I needed to read today. Wishing you the very best as 2010 ends and 2011 begins ;).

Unknown said...

What a perfect thought to face the new year with. Thank you.

septembermom said...

I love thinking of Eliot's words as I venture into the new year. Thank you Judy! Wishing you a wonderfully rewarding and exciting 2011 :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Judy .. lovely thoughts .. and definitely yes - let's all have a wonderful and happy 2011 ... enjoying life ahead .. cheers Hilary

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

HELEN: Sometimes endings, no matter how sad at the time, clear the way for great new beginnings. Here’s hoping 2011 brings some wonderful new roads for you and your family in 2011.

NANCY: The feeling is mutual! Thanks for all your inspiration over the past year. May 2011 bring you much joy and happiness.

JUDY: Thanks! :) And, for you, may 2011 be a year of old strengths and new joys that enrich your days!

MARILYN: The poem is marvellous isn’t it? Glad you enjoyed it. And may 2011 build on the many successes – both inner and outer – that you’ve achieved in 2010 .

TARYN: Lovely to have you visit! May 2011 be a year of perfect balance for you and yours!

KELLY: As a consummate poet yourself, no wonder you value Eliot's words! :) May 2011 bring many new beginnings for you and your loved ones!

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

HILARY: Welcome! May 2011 be a happy new road for you, filled with blessings and love!

Fiona McLennan said...

Thank you Judy, for this timely and helpful comment. Some endings are very difficult and it helps to see the positive side, the idea that this creates new space for something else beautiful. Blessings for 2011. Fiona

Helen Ginger said...

One thing about having bad things happen one year is that the next year is bound to be better. I'm looking forward to new roads in 2011. I hope our roads keep crossing in the next year!

CA Heaven said...

That's a great Eliot-poem. I must admit that I don't read much poetry, but I really enjoy the good ones when I have the chance >:)

Cold As Heaven

septembermom said...

Hi Judy, hope all is well :) Just wanted to let you know that your piece won last Monday's Free Write over at Write With Pictures. Thanks so much! Here is a link:

http://writewithpictures.blogspot.com/2010/12/monday-free-write-time-for-word-play.html

Unknown said...

I LOVE TS Eliot! Great post!

Happy 2011!!!!

Hugs,
Li
@LaLicenciada
@HerDeepThoughts

Paul Greci said...

Hi Judy, I hope you have a great year!!

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

FIONA: May 2011 give you space for many beautiful things!

HELEN: New roads – and old ones- can be so exciting! See you down the road in 2011!

COLD: I’m finding myself drawn back to poetry lately; TS Eliot has some great ones. If you haven’t already read it, The Wasteland is powerful. Have a great 2011!

KELLY: This is such a thrill! I popped over to the link and it was great to see my poetry piece up on your blog! Thanks again!

LaLICENCIADA: And a superb and joyous 2011 for you too! May it be full of swagger (wink, wink)!

PAUL: Wishing you and Dana a fantastic 2011; may it be a year of great surprises and many joys!