Best Resolutions Poems
To do justly in a world of injustice,
to love mercy though wanting revenge,
to walk humbly through forests of arrogance,
to speak softly and not to avenge.
To give kindly to any with physical needs,
to comfort the lonely in spirit,
to hold trembling hands of those grieving a loss
and hear hope sing although they can't hear it.
To locate the beauty in chaos,
to craft the humane out of tragedy,
to respond to tornado by building a home,
or to fire by planting a tree.
To never lash out at the ignorant,
to not ignore homeless or hungry,
to not grow impatient with those who are young,
to not be angry at the angry.
For I was once hungry and grieving,
I was once lonely and ignorant,
I was once vengeful and too blind to see
that I too was young and still arrogant.
But somebody wise came beside me,
saying, "Life isn't fair... but you can be -
live simply and give from abundance,
do the good that you're wanting to see.
Follow the Golden Rule always,
work hard - don't expect to be served,
be humble, treat others with kindness,
give honor wherever deserved."
These were the words of my parents,
who through War and Depression grew strong,
so whenever I make resolutions
their wisdom helps sort right from wrong.
written 15 Dec 2022
As autumns of dear life, I endeavor to face,
Reminiscing in springs, memories I retrace;
Cognizant that splendor of seasons will end,
Seeking amends, life’s goodwill I befriend;
Resolving to shed grimness trapped in yore,
Discarding grievances, hatefulness I abhor,
Filling voids with wisdom of enlightened soul,
Welcoming endearment aging vibes cajole.
Harmony I shall hoist, to apex of its tempo,
Strumming mirthfully rhythms of tomorrow,
Freed from obscurity of yesterday’s shadow
Rejoicing with family on life’s sunlit meadow.
Hosting sentiments that elucidate life anew,
Ethereal I wish to woo~ revered, and true,
Pleading for bliss of heaven, eternal as time,
Living and letting live, in tranquility sublime.
Disavowing shackles of material, mundane,
Compassion I’ll chase of benevolent domain
Redressing incongruence, vying virtues divine,
Steering autumns of my life till values align.
December 22, 2022
Placed 3rd: Resolutions for 2023 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Anoucheka Gangabissoon
I have tracked my New Year's Resolutions
over the years these are my fantastic results.
Resolution One
2011: I will try to be more attentive to Lauren.
2012: I will pay more attention to what's her name...ah...Lori...I know I'm close.
2013: I will try for reconciliation with Lo.
2014: I will try to be more attentive to Carol.
Resolution Two
2011: I will walk 35,000 steps a day this year.
2012: I will definitely start my walking routine this year at 10,000 steps a day.
2013: I will walk once a week.
2014: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week.
Resolution Three
2008: I will not stare at women's cleavage .
2009: I will cut down the amount of time I stare at women's cleavage.
2010: I will stop being so obvious when I stare at women's cleavage.
2011: I will attempt to stop getting caught staring at women's cleavage.
2012: I will stop increasing the time I spend staring at women's cleavage.
2013: I will seek professional help as directed by the courts.
2014: I will try to stop starring at the female prison guards cleavage.
Resolution Four
2011: I will not let my siblings push me around.
2012: I will stick up for myself with at least one of my siblings.
2013: I will not let my siblings bullying depress me.
2014: I will talk to Dr. Potter and the group about my siblings.
Resolution Five
2008: I will read Clarissa this year all 1534 pages.
2009: I did not read Clarissa I will read Varney The Vampire all 866 pages.
2010: I will read the first 50 pages of Varney The Vampire this year.
2011: I will read some articles in the newspaper this year.
2012: I will try and finish the comics section this year.
2013: I will read one strip in the cartoon section this year.
2014: I will read the fortune cookie thingy the next time I have Chinese Food.
18~12~2014
Sponsor: Regina Riddle
Contest Name: New Year's Resolution
I've made a decision, a drastic solution
So I don’t have to make a New Year’s resolution
This year I’ve decided to become a nun…
My ‘habit’ will shield my head from the sun
I will resolve to join a silent order
Mother Superior will act as my warder
I’ll give up chocolate and drinking and smoking
Hey poetry souper’s, you know I’m just joking!
For many years I have not celebrated New Year
So whilst others party and whoop and they cheer
I’ll wear my flannel gown and go early to bed
There I’ll write poems until sleep fills my head
Good luck if you give up drinking or start a diet
On New Year’s resolutions I resolve to stay quiet!
Happy New Year to everyone at poetry soup
Enjoy your holiday and in 2018 we’ll regroup
Update for New Year Contest
Sponsored by Janice Canerdy
12~22~15
Get in shape, lose some weight.
Every year it’s always the same.
Read a book, stay home and cook,
And I only have myself to blame.
Till some land, lend a hand.
You’d think that I’d be smart enough,
Cards to send to a sick friend,
To ignore this self-improvement stuff.
Get more sleep, don’t sell cheap.
But it is an annual institution,
Take a class, use less gas.
To make a New Year’s resolution.
Eat less meat, be more discrete,
Why must they always be so hard?
Be more caring, try more sharing,
This time of year puts me on my guard.
Be more polite, sleep at night,
I wish for an easy way I will confess.
Work hard all day, don’t over stay,
To keep the resolutions that I express.
Only say what you mean today,
What if I only made an easy pick?
Do your best to skew the test,
Then my word would surely stick.
Eat more snacks, take more naps,
I’ll confuse my karma and trick it.
Watch TV, look out for me,
This might be just the ticket.
Stay up late while cheating fate,
This is a New Year’s revolution,
I’ll make my list then I’ll insist,
That I keep this year’s resolution.
And when it’s time to stay in line,
But my promises I fail to keep.
I’ll not hide as I backslide,
As the benefits I will reap.
I’ll be complete whenever I cheat,
And by default I’ll do what I should.
It won’t make me sad when I do bad,
Because my failing will only do me good.
In late December I'm snuggled here in bed
Resolution making whirling in my head
There are those pounds I wouldn't miss
But if I don't lose them I'll just be pissed
To study French would be cool I'll bet
Heck, I haven't even mastered English yet
I really vow to spend much less on shoes
Scratch that..make it - much less on booze
I really need to spend more time with friends
Naw, to many with whom I must make amends
Forget it-I think I'll just go back to sleep
And just use last years list I didn't keep
For Carolyn's Resolutions contest.
M y heart is joyfully raised to Thee, Oh Lord I implore
Y our loving guidance and grace for what’s in my heart’s core
T his year, I promise to renew my vow to Thee
W hatever I do, I’ll always do my best in Your glory
E arnestly, I’ll perform all my duties at work
N ever leave my side, Lord--grant me strength and good health
T o be patient at all times in my journey with many children
Y our image and great love be seen in me and in my talents
T his year, I’ll give more time to take care of myself
W atch the foods I eat, drinks and take time to rest
E very weekend, I’ll go for massage, join recreations
N ever give up my exercises like aerobics or sports
T ake time to swim at nearby swimming pools
Y es! I’ll also do gardening. That’s fun and cool!
T his year, I want deeper spiritual encounter with God
H ave lots of time for prayers and singing hymns-- I’ll be glad
R enew my baptism through recollections and consecration
E mpower my spiritual life through constant adoration
E nrich discipleship through charity, spread God’s words.
R emind myself always that I’m not getting any younger
E stablish better time management to accomplish faster
S ave list of events, take notes and reminders
O ptimism should always be carried on my shoulders
L earn to control my expenses, save for my future
U rgent needs and charity are priorities and no more
T each my children how to recycle, reuse and reduce
I nstill in their mind, the value of saving earth, not abuse
O ne of my educator’s program this year is a mission
N ew campaign of saving Mother Earth for next generations
S o help me God that I’ll abide in all my New Year’s resolutions.
Dec. 31,2022 9.39am
Resolutions for 2023
Contest Judged: 1/5/2023 12:09:00 AM
Sponsored by: Anoucheka Gangabissoon
Place 3 (up to 5 multi-w)
My warmest greetings of a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year 2023 to all! God bless!
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS (from a dutiful husband for his loyal wife)
I’ll promise in the year ahead
To never, ever fart in bed,
Nor say how she should get thinner
At our anniversary dinner
To she who’ll wash my underpants
I’ll whisper words of sweet romance,
Like ‘dear, I smell your fragrant odour’,
NOT ‘how about a quick legover?’
I’ll promise I’ll learn how to cook
From that old Nigella book,
‘Monkfish Bake with Fried Pancetta’
Though egg and chips would taste much better
I’ll book us both a holiday
Somewhere hot for lazy days,
We’ll get suntanned and drink sambuccas,
(Hope no-one sees my huge verrucas)
High as kites on karaoke
We’ll sing a duet, something folky
‘I Got You Babe’? No, ‘cos on balance
Singing’s not among her talents
We’ll watch the sunset hand in hand,
Strolling on the golden sand,
Taking in the sun-kissed view
When suddenly from out the blue
I’ll take a gold ring from my pocket
Go down on one sore knee socket,
And ask her to renew our vows
On holiday, if time allows
You see, I wouldn’t change a thing….
Apart from ask her not to sing!
Reality check... I’ve noticed the
Elastic waistband has
Started to get even tighter on my wife's pants ....
Only I daren't suggest she gives up candy -
Lets just say if she doesn't get her daily ‘ fix’ she turns
Uglier than the incredible hulk!
Take it from me when she gets PMT
It’s like walking on eggshells, so yet again my
Only option is to say
Nothing...
So my resolution is to survive her mood swings for another year!
Resolutions contest Judged 02/16/20
FICTION POEM FOR CONTEST
02/06/20
My New Year's Resolution for sure is to not swear any more.
Dhramn it!
Oops.
My New New Year's Resolution is to listen without interrupting.
Here is my husband now. I will practice on him.
"Honey, do you want to...."
"No!"
"What about...."
I shake my head softly. I do not even know what it is.
Uh-oh. I messed up that one.
On to bigger and better New Year's Resolutions now.
My New New New Year Resolution is to not hold grudges.
Except against my cousin.
No, not even against her.
Deep breathing now while I decide if I can do this one.
Yes, I can. I am more mature this year. I am older.
And my other
New New New New Year's Resolution is to answer my phone
Brrring.
Not this time though.
I do not recognize the number.
Brrrring
Or that one.
Brrrring
I do recognize that one, but we are not speaking because
I am holding a grudge.
My New Year Resolutions for twenty-twenty three
will find me writing more limericks, and I foresee
poems of a gentle nature and none about grief,
for I vow this year I'm going to turn over a new leaf
by not playing tit for tat games with a trivial motif.
No longer will I read poems by anyone contentious,
those who find my opinions sundry or dissentious.
I promise to give more comments to those deserving
and when on the road to animosity I'll be swerving.
I'll find a positive crumb in what others say and think
even if they say my poems are a waste of printing ink.
I'll seek a silver lining when negativity hovers over me
and add smiles to cups of soup to sweeten the recipe.
I'll spend more time writing aural music for my lyrics
without paying attention to the naysayers or critics.
Writing is a sentimental journey traversed by the heart.
Where it leads a composer or poet, is their work of art.
I will find the time to celebrate life with lively dances.
Some may laugh and mock me, but I'll take my chances
and they might join me in having fun. In fact, I'd insist!
There may be a few more resolutions to add to my list.
I'd better print a copy and keep it on my kitchen fridge
or I might be tempted to cheat a bit. Well, just a smidge
when reaching for a snack, as I 've been known to do...
and break a resolution I swear to keep, or maybe a few.
December 14, 2022
Resolutions for 2023 Contest
Sponsor: Anoucheka Gangabissoon
I’m going to open up more windows though someone might see how I live
I’m going to let myself be hurt and not hurt back
I’m going to put myself in the other driver’s shoes
I’m going to learn a new skill even though I will be laughably bad at it
I’m going to love people and use things; not the other way around
I’m going to treat my gifts as things to give away
I’m going to respond quicker to my friend’s emails and slower to mean people
I’m going to make more mistakes and spend less time hiding them
I’m going to laugh at myself more often and laugh at other people less
I’m going to send more jokes to Reader’s Digest
even though they’re never printed
I’m going to be quicker to listen and slower to speak
I’m going to sweat the little stuff less and sweat over the people I love more
I’m going to stop comparing my car and my lawn to my neighbor’s
I’m going to build more statues in the city and fewer out in the desert
I’m going to tell my loved ones why they are my loved ones
I’m going to spend more time enjoying the meal in front of me
and less time worrying where my next meal is coming from
I’m going to remember that any day could be someone’s last
I’m going to learn to live and live to learn
"It is so easy to make resolutions, but to keep them is an uphill task"~ By Poet
We take new resolutions on each New Year’s Day,
But never seriously stick to them and success ebbs away.
I am no exception and like many, I must sincerely admit
That I may break my resolutions, but will never feel guilty a bit
First of all, I won’t make resolves that would hamper my day.
In most things, I wish to have my own personal way.
But to good propositions I am open and never shall be deaf.
As all wish, when the year ends, I want to turn over a new leaf.
With novel schemes, I don’t want to be an exponent,
But I will not sit back like a couch potato and be my own opponent.
When someone provokes me with words and actions rude,
I wish to stay calm, but excuse me if I blurt out a little crude.
I will try to do as much as I can, for time ticks away,
Won't wait for the last minute, which I feel is the right way.
Try to adapt to surroundings and move as quick as a wren.
Ramble through my garden and enjoy flowers now and then.
Spend more time with nature watching little objects and scenes.
Wander into meadows to get lost in the charm of sprawling greens.
Carry a walking stick, that at my age, even a small fall
Can break my brittle bones and into serious damage it can haul.
Though I don’t hope to be a body builder at my age
Will exercise daily, not with hopes of retracing my steps to teenage.
Once I was in good shape and had an hour glass figure
Though can't retain it, careful, from the mirror not to have a scare
Now with so much said, don’t ask me If I could keep my resolutions live
At the end of the year, if I am fortunate to stay sane and alive!
Resolved: I’ll make a MOCKERY of death,
metaphoric wake may open my eyes.
I’ll ADORN kitchen walls with shibboleth -
an OPULENCE of signs which look passé.
using words like “Get Up and Exercise”,
“Calories Count” and “Don’t Forget to Weigh.”
I will EXULT VICARIOUS free time:
tasting all those shows on the loss of weight,
eating less, letting those dinner bells chime,
keeping my IMPETUS under corral.
A SILKEN body I will re-create
giving resolution, new rationale.
This year, I’ll cross the CHASM of my death,
downfall of pounds, weight’s passing does take time.
August 25, 2018
contest: Eight-Word Challenge 8, John Hamilton
the eight words are capitalized for easy recognition.
Reverberant the sounds of the new year coming forth
Enticing us to leave something behind in it shadows
Setting us up for some sort of failure almost immediately
Ostentatiously we throw our thoughts upon the table
Letting those around us know our resolutions made
Utterance of promises we pledge to keep
Truer for the new year coming forth than the previous one
Instantaneously knowing it's the impossible we often seek
Oblivious to the power trapped in our own mind's will
Never fully ready to battle these demons to win the fight
Surrender often become an easier choice until next year
January 19, 2020
Resolutions Contest
Sponsored by Matt Caliri