January 2, 2021 (“For Auld Lang Syne”)

1/2/2021

In my diary today I write the following Scottish words in English poem and song: for my family first of all, to all those whom I have met in my life over the years (without exception): the many friends, acquaintances, peers, colleagues, clients and teachers. May we connect again one day in this life, and perhaps cross paths in this new year, or in the next:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne.

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for days of auld lang syne.

We twa hae run aboot the braes, and pou’d the gowans fine.

But we’ve wander’d many a weary fit since days of auld lang syne.

And we twa hae paidl’d i’ the burn, frae morn’n sun till dine.

But seas between us braid hae roar’d since days of auld lang syne,

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne.

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet for days of auld lang syne

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp! And surely I’ll be mine!

And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand, my trust fiere! And gie’s a hand o’ thine.

And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught, for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne.

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld land syne.

Words sung aloud by one man alone in his studio apartment in Chicago, the Windy City: while I worked away, and remembered the many friends and family members I have known in this life, on this second day of January, the first Saturday of this new year, 2021, A.D. (“anno domini”). How very beautiful are these original versus of song when sung in the Scottish tongue, or our best attempt.

Another year, I should like to sing it in a group along with others.

-E.G. (Initialed), 1/2/2021