Waking up with the memory of fireworks, my thoughts go to the troubled year stretching before us. So many days when matters may turn from bad to worse, so many opportunities for humanity to rely on leaders lacking vision except for revenge or their own gratifications.
We need solutions, but lacking other energy we are searching for symbols to fight for instead of working for solutions that bring hope of sustainable survival.
The best news often gives the worst result, but still every day brings us choices to make the world. Every new day is still the first step towards my last.
on this new year’s day —
still a silent layer of snow
finds comfort in clouds
Today dVerse reopens after our short break with Kim asking us to write a haibun for the new year.
January 1, 2024
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Beautiful! And I share your sentiments!
Thank you
“we are searching for symbols to fight for instead of working for solutions that bring hope of sustainable survival.”
This is why I mostly keep out of the mix. What is the point, when so many expend their energy on ideas that don’t bring about change. Especially those charged with “leading”. We need radical change.
I think the change will be radical if everyone decide to change a bit every day… like a river gaining momentum
Björn, your haibun beautifully captures the essence of reflecting on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The juxtaposition of the troubled year with the serene imagery of snow and clouds is truly poignant. Here’s to your thought-provoking words and the hope they inspire.
~David
I hope to inspire with them.
You’ve taken this first day of 2024 seriously, Björn, and your words resonate with me, especially the troubled year ahead and the ‘leaders lacking vision except for revenge or their own gratifications’. We do lack energy but, as you say, ‘every day brings us choices’.
With many many small choices we will manage to bring change.
We will.
This is absolutely stellar writing, Bjorn! I resonate with “we are searching for symbols to fight for instead of working for solutions that bring hope of sustainable survival.”
Here’s hoping that the choices we make, may prove to aid us when it comes to change! 💝💝
many making choices is were the true change is in the power of us.
Beautifully rendered sentiments, Björn. They bring to mind an old proverb that says, where there is no vision, the people perish
That is what I mean… there is an intentional focus on the smaller things instead ot fhe big picture.
We had snow last night. I liken it to a clean slate for the new year despite all the problems coming our way. Happy New Year!
Gott nytt år 🙂
We had a skiff of snow last night. It’s been a warm winter so far in mid-Michigan. We need to keep our eyes on the big picture… you said it perfectly! it’s going to be a crazy year here in the U.S.
I appreciate the hopefulness of your last para very much: “The best news often gives the worst result, but still every day brings us choices to make the world. Every new day is still the first step towards my last.”
Well said!
Every new day is still the first step towards my last. – a hard thought to wake up to but it moves us along. Wishing you the best of 2024, Bjorn.
It turns out that not only the young thrive on instant gratification: our leaders are the same way. Loved the haibun and the concise haiku. Speaks loud. We must be the peace we need. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and Happy New Year.
Solutions, not symbols. Exactly right. Happy New Year Bjorn. (K)
May we all make the right choices! I love your pragmatism does not give in to despair.
I despair at the lack of vision in leaders. Even if they start with a positive position, they tend to fall into line with the status quo. Solutions I believe can only come from us, we have to continue to work at change and let the leaders know what we want. 🙂
I like how you chose silent and comfort in snow and clouds, Björn. There is a tinge of uncertainty in this piece as it maneuvers toward a hope for better outcome. An engaging write 💜
Your message of hope is inspiring, Bjorn. Wishing you all the best in 2024.
Gorgeous haiku, Bjorn!