As the calendar rolls over into yet another year, the financial world finds itself grappling with the absence of a beloved figure: Arthur Cashin. For decades, Cashin served as the emblematic director of floor operations at the New York Stock Exchange, known not just for his trading acumen but also for his unique ability to reflect on the year’s events through poetry. With Arthur’s passing earlier this month, his sons, Arthur III and Peter, took on the challenge of encapsulating their father’s legacy through their own verse—a task they approached with a sense of solemnity and creativity.
Their New Year’s poem, presented as a tribute to Arthur, encapsulates the tumultuous events of 2024 while reminding us of the personal loss they feel. Through their verses, they provide a glimpse not only into the external world marked by financial highs and lows but also into their internal experience of grief.
In their tribute, the Cashin brothers depict a world that remains in flux. While the poetry is playful, it acknowledges serious global developments—political upheavals, ongoing conflicts, and an evolving economic landscape. The opening lines set a somber tone, acknowledging a “stop in fear” on Wall Street. This serves as a metaphor for both the collective emotions surrounding financial markets and the personal loss they have suffered.
Their reflections are interspersed with humorous and poignant observations about significant events of the past year. The Paris Olympics are humorously referenced, not without a nod to international incidents that garnered attention. From the assassination of key figures to the ebb and flow of incumbents in power, the poem traverses a broad palette of social commentary.
Notable achievements in the sporting world and the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity culture add layers of depth to the poem. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship dynamics, for instance, serve as a light anecdote amidst heavier themes, reminding readers of the multifaceted nature of life and culture.
Yet, at its core, the Cashins’ poem is a heartfelt eulogy. The brothers reflect on the many facets of their father—historian, philanthropist, and the soul of the NYSE. Arthur Cashin created a legacy far beyond the numbers and trades; he cultivated relationships, fostered community, and embodied mentorship. This aspect of his life has been inadequately captured in the business lexicon that often reduces individuals to their professional roles.
Moreover, the poem weaves in moments of nostalgia associated with the shared familial bond and the memories evoked during this writing exercise. The brothers lament losing their father while simultaneously celebrating the life he led and the lessons he imparted. This duality instills a rich emotional texture in their writing.
Traditionally, “Wait ’till the Sun Shines, Nellie” is a song echoed on the trading floor as the year closes—a ritual Arthur Cashin led with pride. The act of singing at the close of the year symbolizes not just the passage of time but a connection to tradition and community. As his sons prepare to step into their father’s shoes this New Year’s Eve, there’s a palpable mix of honor and gravity in carrying on that legacy.
It’s a reminder that while Arthur Cashin may have departed, his influence reverberates through the corridors of the NYSE and the lives he touched. In a world where financial markets shift with the winds of uncertainty, the act of commemorating his lessons and spirit offers solace during a time of emotional turmoil.
As we stand on the brink of 2025, the tributes paid to Arthur Cashin offer us a chance to reflect not only on his significant contributions to finance but also on the essence of human connection.
The Cashin brothers remind us to cherish those still with us while honoring the memories of those we’ve lost. In a spirit of unity that transcends personal grief, they extend their best wishes for the New Year, hoping for “true abbondanza.” In this whirlwind of life and loss, they poignantly capture the importance of family, friendship, and the legacies we leave behind as we navigate the unpredictable tides of time.