Renée M. Sgroi, poet

Ah, 2021. A new year, a chance for new hopes, new possibilities. But this is a new pandemic year, right? How to make resolutions or have hope for new possibilities?

I’m short on answers to that question.

But as I sat down to write this blog post, I thought about 2020 in review — a year filled with so many challenges, on so many different fronts. Sure, we could go over 2020’s failings. But I wanted to do something different, to venture into the unknown.

For me, that’s humour.

So rather than offer a list of new hopes and resolutions for 2021, here’s my personal 2020 year in review:

• Number of rejection letters received: too numerous to count
• Number of “but we really liked this poem” rejection letters received: about 5 or 6
• Number of “this is a great first novel, but just not for us” rejection letters received: also about 5 or 6
• Number of times I’ve wondered if it’s just me, or if the rejection letters are getting nicer: about 10 or 12
• Number of times that hasn’t really made the rejection any less disheartening: every single time
• Number of margaritas consumed (following rejection letters, or not, as the case may be): too numerous to count (at my house, they come in pairs anyway)
• Number of writers’ events attended in person: 1 (in February)
• Number of times that memory was recalled: once, maybe twice. That was a parallel universe, wasn’t it?
• Number of second novels completed as a first draft: 1
• Number of times excerpts of said novel have made other people laugh: twice!
• Number of UK poetry competitions won: 1
• Bottles of champagne consumed after said win: about 1, maybe 2. It’s all a little fuzzy now.
• Number of poetry books published: 1
• Total number of pieces of celebratory cake consumed after virtually launching said book: do I really need to say? Who doesn’t love cake?
• Number of times snuggled up with family cat and dog: too numerous to count
• Number of times I’ve cursed said cat and dog for puking on the floor: about 10 for the cat, at least once for the dog
• Number of times said cat has vocalized loudly and repeatedly during an online meeting: really, do all old cats complain this much?
• Number of Zoom meetings attended: does anyone actually keep count?
• Number of new writer friends and colleagues gained from attending Zooms: so many! Who knew?!
• Number of times I’ve felt grateful for my health, family, job: daily
• Number of times I’ve gazed at the clouds: also daily
• Number of times I could continue to do so: forever

Whatever 2021 brings for me, for you, for the world, I hope you find some humour in it. Best wishes for a safe and healthy 2021!