New Years in Sydney

Just had a wonderful week, full of sun and beach and friends and family. Really, who could ask for more.

And tonight, for new years, we are going to go dancing on Bondi Beach. A few years ago I went dancing on Bondi when Fatboy Slim dj'd and it was one of the best dance nights of my life. So the bar is high... but my mood is good. I'm looking forward to it.

Before we bow out this year, I went to Gertrude and Alice, the perfect store - used books and great coffee - with my sister and at the till, waiting for me, was a book of Rumi's poetry. I love his stuff. And here is one I've chosen to enter the new year with:

Show Me Your Face

I crave
flowers and gardens

open your lips
i crave
the taste of honey

come out from
behind the clouds
i desire a sunny face

your voice echoed
saying "leave me alone"
i wish to hear your voice
again saying "leave me alone"

I swear this city without you
is a prison
I am dying to get out
to roam in deserts and mountains

i am tired of
flimsy friends and
submissive companions
i die to walk with the brave

i am blue hearing
nagging voices and meek cries
i desire loud music
drunken parties and
wild dances

one hand holding
a cup of wine
one hand caressing your hair
then dancing in orbital circle
that is what i yearn for

i can sing better than any nightingale
but because of
this city's freaks
i seal my lips
while my heart weeps

yesterday the wisest man
holding a lit lantern
in daylight
was searching around town saying

i am tired of
all these beasts and brutes
i seek
a true human

we have all looked
for one but
no one could be found
they said

yes he replied
but my search is
for the one
who cannot be found.

So for this new year - have loud music and drunken parties and wild dances, and I wish for us all be to be the true humans that others search for, and that our search for true humans is met - and much love and laughter ensues...

Happy New Year