My Essay in the Yale Class of '75 Book

As 2025 rapidly draws to a close, I have something cheerful to post. That said, I don't want to overlook the reality that, for countless numbers of people throughout our world, it has been an unspeakably painful year of ongoing wars, terrorism, displacement, not to mention myriad unexpected personal tragedies. Let us remember these people as we celebrate the holidays, the Christmas season and the New Year. When possible, as opportunities arise, let us make an effort to help them.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, fifty years ago in May I graduated from Yale University. It doesn't feel that long ago. My classmates decided to create a book of essays, inviting each member to reflect on one's life experience during and after college. I accepted the invitation, partly as a gratitude exercise and partly as a writing challenge. It is not as easy as it sounds--condensing fifty years of life into a one page document.

In the essay I make reference to my first book, Nazar's Journey, and provide a hint about my second book, a Christmas story set in Vermont, to be published in the middle of 2026.

My classmates also asked us to think of a poem we loved and make a few comments about it. They surprised us by including the poem at the end of each of our essays. I chose a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins. In my comments, I recall my memories of visiting New York City so often during my life, being amazed by the cultural, ethnic, racial, and language diversity I witnessed while walking the streets of the city and hearing the many languages spoken in the restaurants. There is something very beautiful and unique about these very diverse faces. I feel the poem captures this with great skill.

You can find my essay, the poem, and my comments on the top of the Media page of my website when you go to this link

https://www.nazarsjourney.com/general-1

Merry Christmas! Holiday Blessings! Wishing You a Wonderful and Joyful New Year!