Once again, we’re here with our annual rhyme, 
To reflect on the year, and the passage of time.

But before we look ahead, to 2023,
It’s good to glance back. Don’t you agree?

Around the World

War broke out, and COVID’s still here,
But finally, at least, it’s not as severe.

Russia’s invasion made a hero of Volodymyr Zelensky.
We also saw Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky.

The world’s waking up with a puzzle to hurdle.
If anything defined the year, maybe it was Wordle?

Ketanji Brown Jackson made history on the Supreme Court, 
Roe v. Wade ended—without wide public support.

Fifty years later, wasn’t abortion accepted?
The decision left much of the country angry, dejected.

We hope you avoided the financial mess of crypto,
And didn’t see your portfolio drop down to zippo.

A Red Wave was expected to sweep the midterms,
But Democrats survived, and now the GOP squirms.

DeSantis rose up. But Trump’s running, too.
Will voters two years from now lean red, or stay blue?

As politics got uglier, some used the term “woke.”
It’s nothing but a word that’s meant to provoke.

The economy struggled across the whole nation,
Thanks to a war, a pandemic, and rising inflation.

Biden’s approval rating plunged into a crevasse
As prices soared higher for food and for gas.

Liz Cheney led the committee to probe insurrection,
But can anything turn the country in a new direction?

We relaxed for a moment until monkeypox came along.
Scientists reassured us, vaccines keep you strong.

Elon Musk went nuts after spending billions for Twitter,
Now everyone’s wondering if maybe he’ll reconsider.

Texas, of course, passed a strict anti-trans bill.
That community needs protecting. Where are you, Capitol Hill?!

Hospitals filled with RSV, COVID, and the flu—
It was called a tripledemic, but boosters and shots protect you.

The BUniverse

There were also major stories much closer to home
That we should acknowledge in our year-ending poem.

The big BU news was President Brown stepping down.
Commencement won’t be the same without him in his red gown.

His legacy is secure, BU transformed under his lead.
His successor will step in, positioned to succeed.

The White House promised to forgive college loan debt!
Students rejoiced—alas, it hasn’t happened yet.

The Data Science building opened with its distinctive looks,
Some call it Jenga, others a pile of books.

Starbucks workers on Comm Ave went on strike.
Fix our store, they said, or we take a hike.

BU launched a major to study human rights:
The Holocaust, genocide, and societal fights.

COM landed a new journalism chair who can tell a great story.
A welcome to the Boston Globe’s Brian McGrory.

Hello also to Scott Taylor, Pardee’s new dean,
International relations these days is quite the scene.

BU researchers invented a mini heart pump that fits on a chip
And a bionic pancreas that can be worn on a bra or belt clip.

They expanded our COVID intelligence—like how long you’re infected,
And why some folks more than others are badly affected.

National news covered our vending machine full of Plan B. 
It provides comfort to students, for just a small fee.

The Terrier men claimed the Beanpot in a 1-0 win.
The winning goal was amazing, to Northeastern’s chagrin.

Two childhood friends helped rename BU’s medical school.
The $100 million gift was incredibly cool.

(But if you think we’re going to rhyme anything with Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, then you are a fool.)

Toby Makoyawo ran 100 meters so fast,
He’s now BU’s speediest human, a record that should last.

BU alums once again showed their worth,
Including astronaut Bob Hines who soared high above Earth.

Liz Patrick says directing SNL is a dream come true.  
And police commish Michael Cox leads Boston’s men and women in blue.

Infotainment

The internet gasped when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock.
No one at the Oscars could decide whether to laugh, scream, or mock.

Queen Elizabeth passed away at the age of 96,
As the world got to see Royal family conflicts.

Black Panther got a sequel on the big screen,
No Chadwick Boseman—but Wakanda should be seen. 

A time machine sent us back, and it was a little weird.
Bennifer returned, Tom Cruise in Top Gun reappeared.

But no celebrity could get more smiles
Than Don’t Worry Darling’s Harry Styles.

The Red Sox were dismal, the Patriots look bleak,
But the Celtics and Bruins have been on a streak.

T Swift dropped Midnights, with a tour announced even faster.
But tickets were scarce—will Swifties take down Ticketmaster?

Another year in the books, another turn around the sun.
2022 had tragedy, heartache—but, yes, also fun.

Our message to Terriers is stay strong and live right:
Be kind, giving, and ambitious, and you will take flight.