Hope and expectation

In the midst of all the usual mayhem in the world the last few days have seen rays of hope on both the national and personal levels.

On the national level we have a new PM and the word that keeps emerging in all the endless discussions surrounding that fact is hope. One of the key messages seems to be that Keir Starmer got off to a bad start by telling everybody, repeatedly, that life was going to be miserable for a few years before it got better. He had a point of course, given the mess he inherited from a succession of some of the worst prime ministers in a very long time, but the phrasing was unfortunate, creating an expectation of pain. By contrast, Burnham is saying he can make some improvements now, maybe in a small way, but improvements. He has to deliver on this, naturally, but the message for now is hope and the polls seem to be showing that already people are feeling better, that the message resonates with large numbers of the public. I’m hoping he can succeed.

On a personal level, hope was personified by the new graduates from Portsmouth University yesterday. I was there as the proud grandfather of one of those new graduates, so it was a very positive day personally – but quite apart from that fact the sight of all these happy and confident young people gave me hope. I know that the transition from student to the workforce is a tough one right now and there will be challenges and hurdles to overcome but that fact does not remove the hope or, indeed, the joy.

It’s very easy to be overwhelmed by bad news, threats real or perceived, setbacks, disappointments, and bad players (there are plenty of those around)– but that way lies despair and defeat. We can only overcome the hurdles, build a good life, make a difference, if we hold on to hope – so celebrating the new PM while recognising our differences, the fact that he will no doubt make decisions with which we disagree, is important. And celebrating our graduating youth especially, for me, that one who is very close to my heart, but also all of them, as a group is important. We can offer support and encouragement as hurdles present themselves – but for now, we celebrate.

The Graduand

It could be such a let down
the name called
the walk across the stage
in unaccustomed heels

the handshakes 
in recognition of hard work 
with maybe a little partying
it could be such a let down

but add in the drinks and photos 
the mortar boards and gowns 
the tear brushed from a parent’s eye
the smiles, hugs, fuss

the experience shared
with the graduating horde 
the buzz of conversation
and it all feels worthwhile

so let the graduand take a bow
as together we celebrate the happy now