Friday, January 11, 2008

Why I Don't Make New Year's Resolutions

Among our customs, cherished or barbaric,
New Year’s resolutions stand out. Such
an arbitrary thing, a calendaric
sleight-of-hand. As if you couldn’t touch
a circle anywhere and say "This point
is the beginning." January first—
what’s special, after all, that we anoint
this day of days, though neither best nor worst,
the landmark of our best resolves? I fear
that resolutions anchored to this date
for most, will not last long before they break—
for we refuse to grasp that change of year
does not bring automatic change of state
and no change happens save for what we make.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excellent :) I especially like "a calendaric sleight of hand."

But here is a resolution we can all agree on:

http://darvish.wordpress.com/2007/12/30/happy-new-year-2008-a-resolution/

Anonymous said...

This is so TRUE!! Great prose!

Tumblewords: said...

Creatures of dates, aren't we? Nice post!

Anonymous said...

Great poem!

Unknown said...

Yes, it is an odd idea that suddenly it's the time for making changes and beginning anew. I suppose the Spring Solstice or such would at least be more symbolic of bringing out new growth.
New Years brings crowded gyms (for a few weeks), bad diet comercials and the like. Too bad we are not so excited for change elsewhere as a populace.
Peace

susan said...

Well, tell us what you really think, won't you. lol Thanks for the read.

Christine Gail said...

I am always reluctant to make resolutions, much enjoyed!

Linda Jacobs said...

A well-crafted sonnet! The rhyme is subtle but still there. Love it!

Marie said...

I've become a great fan of your poetry...You have such a blessed gift! Thanks for being you.

little wing writer said...

spoken well, yes...

Sandee said...

Nice twist on date. I agree too. Don't make resolutions because I never kept a one when I did. Setting ones self up for failure. Have a great MM. :)

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