Reflections of Auld Lang Syne

By Deepti Belliappa Ganapathy

In the reflections of auld lang syne, we find who we are,

The truth unfolds to be retold through stories near and far.

This beautiful past shapes our legacy of tomorrow,

So embrace your yesterday, it’s worth every joy and sorrow.

In the background, the faint song plays,

The iconic Auld Lang Syne with tears it stays. 

Bringing back memories of the impermanence of life,

A fleeting life gripping any friendships free from strife! 

There is a familiar ring to the day,

Reflections of auld lang syne, almost a déjà vu I would say.

The quaint streets that lined the city back then,

Almost forgotten in the hustle, but time stood still; a worthy pen.

Amidst the chaos and tall skyline,

Stands this heritage bungalow, almost dilapidated from a different timeline! 

Sitting on the porch, on a rocking chair, musing over echoes of yesterday,

A graceful golden ager, almost fossilized some would say. 

The decrepit walls, adorned by photos, gave a peek into another time,

Celebrations of a different freedom and a unique family chime! 

She smiled with the reflections of auld lang syne reliving every photo feeling good,

For me the onlooker, in that moment, going back in time, I just stood. 

There were stories of freedom that were fought with struggle for all,

It was a time, when humanity defined geography and race with appal. 

The reflections of another time gone by remind us with a heavy heart,

There was a substantial price to pay for our freedom from the start. 

The times were simple, lined with joy,

Gadget free games in the backyard without a fancy toy. 

Shrieking excitement and pure fun for sure,

This reflection of yesteryears has an echo of innocent cheer. 

Remembering the dried Oriental plane leaf from a friend's holiday stored with care,

Thoughtfully gifted in a decorative box that seemed so rare; 

It was not worth any money that makes it precious to keep,

It's the reflections of a long time ago of an estranged friend for which I weep. 

The last letter from a near one I read,

Reminded of the little time, wanting more in my head! 

Some losses don't heal with time,

The reflections of auld lang syne fill my heart every time. 

The reflections of auld lang syne have the depths of emotions here,

The mourning wife and mother, but no time to shed the tear! 

Braved ahead to be the rock to the child in need,

An inspiration and hero for generations indeed!  

The carefully crafted handmade card is prized,

Or the imperfectly perfect creative handmade gifts always surprised. 

The unconditional affection attached to these memories is a true keepsake,

The reflections of auld lang syne have a bond that I don't want to break. 

The reflections of auld lang syne ring an unforgettably planned meal,

For the mother to be by the not so seasoned companion with zeal!

It's not the diamond or the car that I wish with glee,

It's these moments that bring magic to eternity. 

The reflection of auld lang syne is in awe of the pendulum or the loud ring of the Grandfather's clock,

Not forgetting the cheerful reminder of the cuckoo tick-tock,

Time is now smartly packed on the wrist or the phone,

Convenience has trumped but the glory of the antique is shown. 

Technology now makes a fading memory line,

Gadgets have outgrown their time, new facets with a different shine. 

But the reflections of another time radiate in black and white,

Crafted memories that shone on their own might! 

We have come a long way without much tech in tow,

But joys were simple and didn't need the show. 

Reflections of auld lang syne might seem limited to some,

But every lesson learnt has shaped our balanced outcome.

Its big houses, small families, more degrees, less sense,

More knowledge, less judgement, more quantity but life is dense. 

Reflections of auld lang syne defined small wants and large hearts,

Time was not a luxury or privilege offered in parts.

Reflections of auld lang syne remind us of people of our past,

We hope for another chance to speak our heart before it’s the last.

Aromas of that reminiscent past that tingle our taste buds,

An unforgettable childhood soaked in lip smacking food with clothes soiled in mud.

Amidst these discoveries in the refuge of an old diary’s page,

Reflections of auld lang syne captured another age.

Every page that reveals its essence through time,

It’s a treasure trove of memories that is truly sublime.

Every compilation had some tears or reason to smile,

Each adventure was worth every mile.

The magical encounter, captured in a book now weathered,

Memories will remain in the life space forever remembered.

Standing in front of the mirror we see,

Three generations of us, passing on a piece of history 

What came to me from my mother was a legacy so rare?

As a reflection of auld lang syne, the next generation will find it a forgotten fare. 

Memories have been built in the sands of time,

Making the moment count in this tapestry of life is a worthy rhyme. 

The reflections of auld lang syne may fade with time,

But glowing in our hearts, it will always be an indelible rhyme.

By Deepti Belliappa Ganapathy