A Daily Resolution - Leslie C. Dobson

I awake to a new day, a new beginning,
where the sun rises and the birds are singing;
yet, somewhere in the hollow, there’s a rumbling,
whispering, everything is the same.

My child’s heart leaps at the rebirth of the sun,
like a kid, I smile and remember the fun;
when school was out, and fuzzy bees were bumbling,
where everyone played and knew my name.

An annual resolution to make you ‘new,’
as if somehow there is a problem with you;
and so the world sits back quietly judging,
to see just how long your willpower lasts.

Yet, yes, you know that there is a secret code,
it’s a daily event, not an ‘a la mode’;
understanding, as you go along trudging,
it’s moulds that need breaking, not the casts.

With each dawn break, I stand knowing I’ll try hard,
to clear all the rubble from my own backyard;
it’s not an annual but a daily event,
to be better than each day before.

For it’s only myself that I can improve,
anyone else must be outside of my groove;
neither is it only at Christmas or Lent,
just a daily process, nothing more.

So, wherever you are, whatever you do,
be happy while I do me, and you do you;
let the world roll along, sit back for the ride,
remember to breathe along the way.

Try not to judge others, be kind and give love,
do not look to the rulers, look up above;
say your prayers, wear your faith with no bit of pride,
teach by your deeds and the words you say.

Every day strive to do a little better,
not just once a year, but a daily love letter,
that you etch in your journey all for yourself,
and smile at the image staring back.

If you do this, friend, I know peace you will find,
love will fall naturally in right behind;
and nothing wanting will be left on your shelf,
when you know nothing worthwhile, you lack.

If you liked this poem, you can find additional ones on the poetry page of Leslie’s website.