Year of Excalibur

Dagger and scabbard, about 1605–20, The al-Sabah Collection; seen at The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence, V&A South Kensington

Well, we made it, just about. Congrats if you had a good 2024. For the rest of us, let’s just assume things go up from here. In that spirit, a sonnet to take you in to the new year:

The imperious calendar
Is telling us: you must go again.
Face next year with Excalibur,
Real, virtual, whatever makes plain
You’ll style your way out of trouble.
When the occasional wobble
Screeches along you won’t be bowed.
Lift your head up to laugh at clouds.
And if it rains, unbidden,
Know that in 2025
You’ll find surprising ways to thrive:
The good times rarely stay hidden.
In bad times, hold yourself with grace,
So happiness finds you apace.