We welcome in each passing year with a sense of dualism. Some people cherish what has been; others relish what is to be. Likely each of us will find ourselves somewhere in between.

The Scotsman Robert Burns has elucidated for us the great dichotomy of New Year’s, welcoming it in and letting it go at the same time. May old acquaintance be forgot, and as we do, let us drink to it as well. While it is not PC too endorse the use of alcohol as a means of celebrating the lasting memories and/or defining moments of our lives, the Scots either figuratively or metaphorically view the raising of the “pint vessel” as an appropriate action for ringing in the new year. If you do, remember to drink down memory lane responsibly.

It is possible the Scots stole this wonderful lyric poem of friendship, hope, affirmation, fellowship, remembrance, and nostalgia from the Italians, just as Shakespeare pocketed Romeo and Juliet. They did invent Scotch whiskey, so we can forgive them.

There is no greater metaphor for the feelings stirred up by the passing of a new year than Auld Lang Syne. Joy and regret exist simultaneously at midnight. as another year’s happenings give way to New Year’s wishes and desires. Only birthdays hold the same kind of hesitation/anticipation vibe. In five verses Burn’s anthem sums up what we all feel on this recurring occasion.

“Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And days of old long past.”

The first verse does not literally suggest that we forget all that has come to pass, rather it is a reminder that there is possibility in the future and that “in the moment” is where we live. One could infer that we continually build upon what we mean to each other through who we have been and who we can be.

“And surely you will pay for your pint-vessel! And surely I will pay for mine! And we will take a cup of kindness yet, For old long past.”

The second verse reminds us of our personal responsibility for our own happiness, while reminding us that the greatest gifts we have to offer one another are empathy, compassion, and kindness. This going Dutch, so to speak, represents going it alone together.

“We two have run about the hillsides
And pulled the wild daisies fine; But we have wandered many a weary foot
Since old long past. we two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till noon;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since old long past.”

The third and fourth verses are lovely metaphors, personal and collective, for shared experience. They are filled with naturalistic imagery and scenes of joy and struggle, just as the days of each year vary in their meaning and intensity as well as their solitude and communion.

“And there is a hand, my trusty friend!
And give me a hand of yours!
And we will take a right good-will drink,
For old long past.”

The last verse highlights the very credo, which is the true first amendment in the hearts of humans: Treat me as you would desire to be treated. This sentiment is found everywhere we invest ourselves, our families, our spiritual places, our friendships, our institutions and our principles. Hand-in-hand is how we will leave behind what has been, and how we shall be our best, how we mark the past and greet the future. It is the great hope of all of us to have hands to hold, and to be strong enough to extend our own.

“And for old long past, my joy (sweetheart),
For old long past,
We will take a cup of kindness yet,
For old long past.”

The chorus, like the years, repeats. At each passing, we take a moment to gratefully toast the past. Let us drink together from the cup of kindness for all that has been and all who have been so that we can move forward towards the future and all that we can be.

It is unimaginable to think this song could be sung alone. Voiced together it is a creed of fellowship and a rare secular one. By themselves the lyrics of this poignant piece are soulful and emotional. When merged with the melody they become transcendent—a perfect melding of intent and sound, feeling and vibration. They are as complementary as each of us are to one another, as are the years when layered together. Another year has passed as all do, whisked along moment-by-moment—crescendos, pianos, and fortissimos rolling lyrically along to our unique and familiar signatures of time.