“Night Before Christmas” 2020 – year in review

Credit: Fashion Junkee
DEFINING MOMENTS IN UNPRECEDENTED YEAR

‘Tis the week before Christmas in a year we’d rather forget,
A series of natural disasters caused us to fret.
From bushfires to coronavirus, we faced profound disruption,
Grappling with uncertainty and epic social eruption.

Australians were not nestled, snug in their beds,
As fear and anguish filled their heads.
Calm continuity gave way to unfolding drama,
Crisis after crisis, we lost our karma.

The year began dramatically, with a summer of climate extremes,
Devastating fires and floods, shattered our dreams.
Apocalyptic images showed homes reduced to rubble,
The blanket media coverage burst our collective bubble.

Australia’s clean-up from nature’s fury, was abruptly interrupted,
Another calamity hit our shores, and our lives it disrupted.
The entire planet was halted by a deadly invisible foe,
COVID-19 took us by surprise, and brought devastation in tow.

Touching every corner of the globe, the outbreak ravaged humanity,
Yet many ignored health warnings, such behaviour was insanity.
The soaring number of fatalities proved social distancing does matter,
But defiant anti-lockdown protesters made such a clatter.

Even greater outrage followed, with the death of George Floyd,
Anti-racism protests erupted, another life destroyed.
An outpouring of pent-up anger, in the streets it prompted rage,
The hopes of Black Lives Matter, that we can turn another page.

Racial epidemic & health pandemic, the perfect storm for civil unrest,
Public outcries against injustices, basic liberties were suppressed.
Combustible social issues saw solidarity spread,
The world is in a battle for its soul, give us our daily bread.

Now, Putin! now, Orbán! now, Bolsonaro and Trump!
Authoritarian world leaders, you gave your citizens a thump.
You politicised the pandemic and failed to flatten the infection curve,
Thousands of your people died, an outcome they didn’t deserve.

You all brazenly used the health crisis to undermine democracy,
And failed a critical leadership test, exposing your mediocrity.
True leaders inspire and motivate, they are transparent and authentic,
But you all failed to deliver, your efforts were pathetic.

During a time of mass contagion, political strongmen were inhuman,
Yet effective leadership abounded, in countries headed by a woman.
From Angela Merkel to Jacinda Ardern, women led from the front,
Acting boldly and swiftly, the pandemic they did confront.

Citizens too were tested, with behaviour both naughty and nice,
When Santa asks how we acted, some will have to think twice.
Those who hoarded toilet paper should question their selfish ways,
While essential workers deserve our praise, they gave us better days.

Brighter times are also coming following the ousting of Donald Trump,
Four years of chaotic leadership, resulted in an electoral dump.
The president’s dark legacy, divisive and erratic behaviour,
Makes President-elect Biden, America’s political saviour.

But for now our thoughts turn to the season of goodwill,
And the excitement that comes from stockings to fill.
It won’t be long before Santa’s on his way,
If you listen carefully, you’ll soon hear his sleigh.

As I sign off for Christmas, I thank all readers of this blog,
I hope that my fortnightly posts have left you agog.
May the spirit of the season fill your home with cheer,
As I say “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good New Year.”

Before you go …
This is my final blog post for the year. I hope that I’ve kept you informed and entertained during 2020. I’m taking a short break from my blogging duties and will be back on-line on Sunday, 31 January 2021. Have a great New Year.

One last thing …
Please CLICK HERE to see how the award-winning photographers from Getty Images captured major world events in 2020.

Regards

Paul J. Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Ductus Consulting

5 Replies to ““Night Before Christmas” 2020 – year in review”

  1. Thank you Paul, I enjoy reading your post and even if I can not read them on Monday I print them out to read at a later date. I find them very informative and helpful. However my favourite post are always your Christmas parody and this one was very well written.
    Thank you for all your time and effort you put into creating these blogs for all of us to enjoy and learn from each fortnight.
    I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Enjoyable new year. Look forward to the new post in the new year. Hopefully a better year for us all..

  2. Thank you Paul for a outstanding year of blogging. Your posts are always well constructed and thought provoking. I definitely look forward to your next post. Best wishes to you and Bev for Christmas and the new year.

  3. Hi Paul
    What a well written blog. You never cease to amaze and entertain us with your intelligently written blogs. Enjoy your well deserved break, look forward to reading your blogs in 2021.

  4. Hello Paul,
    Many thanks for your very well researched and informative blogs throughout the year. With the current state debt here in Victoria going to $150 billion, I have passed on your views regarding ‘good debt’ many an occasion and people are very impressed with me!

    The staff at Quantum always had fun reading “Night Before Christmas”

    Best wishes to you, Beverley and your family for Christmas and the New Year. Regards, Des

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