Publisher’s Note, Stirring the Pot for 2023
New Year 010123
Luck is most often brought about by intention and action so a little stirring to manifest positive results for New Year Resolutions seems to be fitting. To start day one of 2023, I am greeting the new year as I always do with a holiday tradition of black-eyed peas, associated with mystical powers to bring good luck. One tradition says that you make a dollar that year for every pea you eat on January 1. With current inflation, I’m not sure my pot will yield financial gain, but I can certainly put forth positive energy. My pot is boiling and I’m brewing up some good intentions for myself, my loved ones, my friends, and my Chart readers for 2023.
In looking ahead, I always take this time of year to look back in time. A poem from 1850 captures my sentiments for current day. When I say writing is in my DNA, yes, I am related to Alfred Lord Tennyson on my father’s side.
I am also related to some historical figures through the ages on my mother’s side that wrote significant literature and historical documents. I will share that later.
Happy and Blessed 2023 to you Chart family.
Publisher Casey Tennyson
“Ring Out Wild Bells” in “In Memoriam”
by Alfred Lord Tennyson in 1850, the year he was appointed Poet Laureate
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.