Whatever else changes Capitalism never does. Christmas Day in America, 1/7 Americans exist miserably on incomes that put them on hunger risk. Over 15 million American children rely on food banks for assistance. Food insecurity blights every single U.S county; more than 31 million American children live on incomes that qualify for subsidised lunches. Nearly 40 per cent of America’s homeless are under 18-years of age.
Poetry lovers are people who prefer their musings in colour to their thoughts in black and white. All reading matter penetrates; some hardly brush the skin but poetry reaches parts that others cannot reach.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer and pianist, who is arguably the defining figure in the history of Western music. Born in December 1770, he was baptized on the 17th. As baptisms customarily took place the day following birth consensus is that the world’s greatest composer was born December 16, 1770. The earliest recorded piece that Beethoven composed is a set of nine piano variations, composed in 1782.
Elton John spoke for many people when he said: ‘I regard all pop music as irrelevant in the sense that people in 200 years won‘t be listening to what is being written and played today. I think they will be listening to Beethoven.’
I have nothing against the Welsh. After all, as man and boy, I was blissfully happy in this beautiful land of someone else’s father. But not everyone agrees. Their most famous lyricist, Dylan Thomas once said, ‘Land of my Fathers? They are welcome to it.’
Was there ever more elegance and style than when women’s dress sense was further enhanced by fur stoles, veils and dress gloves. I am reminded of U.S. President Reagan’s wife Nancy Reagan when being received by the Pope. Wearing a veil this otherwise ordinary lady is transformed into an almost saintly figure.
The British chart-topping 1960s folk singer Donovan was the only pop star poet to receive France’s most prestigious cultural award awarded to him personally by the French Government. The hippy era singer of poetic-style ballads once won the heart of nations and clearly won French hearts too.
Would anyone be inspired to write books, compose music, or paint pictures if there was no one to enjoy them? Yes, I think they would. It is my belief that each of us is given a gift although many go through life without discovering their unknown ability; a great pity.
As Christmas approaches we are reminded that this is the ‘time for giving’. Unfortunately, charities increasingly resemble the fatted goose as they take full advantage of people’s charitable natures.
Children under 6 years of age are as nature intends very good at memorising any information. It’s not news at all that the best and most pleasant way to develop children’s memory is poems and songs.
Michael Walsh Stories and Books 
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