Auld Lang what?

Did Robbie Burns write the original version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’?  Apparently he denied doing so, even though the poem is attributed to him. Perhaps he became embarrassed – confused, maybe - by the implications of the (messed about  with) connotation contained in the words. And what is it all supposed to mean anyway? People have varying explanations – all a bit obscure - with most versions of the original seeming to do with love and loss, and little to do with happy new year wishes. But, anyway, despite the confusion  that reigns, the gist of the messages of ‘cup of kindness’ and ‘trusty friend’ and all that stuff leaves a nice feeling as we farewell the old and welcome in the new. Not sure about the other messages in the common version of Auld Lang
Syne about forgetting ‘times gone by’ (whatever that’s about).
So, here comes 2014! What will the year hold? One thing I know for certain is that it will be about mid May before I adjust to writing 2014 on any document, all the time muttering about ‘where did 2013 go?’ And, ‘how can it be 2014?’  Another certainty is that politicians will remain
gormless and in the thrall of the money makers; there will be no ‘heart’ in any political decision that eventuates. Political promises will be made and broken -  good ones abolished, nasty ones kept. 
However, life is still beautiful and we must be thankful for being alive and having family and friends to love – and to love us, despite our failings.
 So, forget all the cynicism for a day or two and (as I now do) wish all people a Happy New Year!
 May it be filled with good health and happiness -  and may every politician be suddenly
blessed with a conscience and a will to help those most in need.  (Ha!)
 Roll on 2014, we're ready!.