Get Your Premium Membership

Resolutions

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

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Date: 1/10/2023 5:02:00 AM
Dear John, congratulations on your win. A belated congrats on your POTD too. Your voice of wisdom shines, and leads a path of enlightenment, kindness and love. Your parents would be so proud of you, finding you embracing their inspiration. Warm wishes, Dear Poet and Dear Friend, for another great New Year ~ Mala
Login to Reply
Date: 1/9/2023 10:38:00 AM
Dearest PoBro, magnificence spills from your radiant pen with a poem that is like a beacon in the darkness, so bright a soulful path you shine upon the poetic page and upon my seeking heart, to follow it home to the heart of what matters most in the life.. the beauty of empathy, the blessings of enlightenment, and love, for others and for oneself. Your exquisite poetic artistry gives voice to your beloved parents' inspiring wisdom. Belated congratulations for the worthy honor of POTD. So glad to see the emotional and spiritual depth and breadth of this piece embraced! Warmest wishes, my wonderful friend, your spirit shines.. ~your PS-PS <3
Login to Reply
Date: 1/5/2023 9:56:00 AM
John, congratulations on your win! This comes straight from your giant, compassionate heart that embraces all of life and humanity through God's grace. Just beautiful and definitely anointed by your heavenly muse. And, how did I miss your POTD? This is so deserving of that honor. High fives and hats off to you. Sending you blessings of joy, grace and peace dear friend. Happy New Year R&R bro! This would be wonderful framed as encouragement for every day!
Login to Reply
Date: 1/5/2023 6:58:00 AM
Congratulations on your win. A lovely write. Have a blessed day writing away...............
Login to Reply
Date: 12/29/2022 7:53:00 AM
The words of your parents hold so much wisdom, John. I wish everyone would strive to live by these words. A belated congrats on this being honored as the POTD. Happy new years to you and yours. John
Login to Reply
Date: 12/28/2022 10:10:00 PM
A lovely poem with great advice, John, wishing you a Happy New Year 2023:) belated congratulations on POTD too:)
Login to Reply
Date: 12/25/2022 3:36:00 PM
Wow ~ a beautiful poem. A FAVE. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones, John~
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/6/2023 10:41:00 AM
Line, thank you for the Fav and the sweet comment. I wish you a bright and beautiful 2023 ~ John
Date: 12/24/2022 9:25:00 AM
Late Congratulations, John. I have not been around as much as I once was. I don’t make any resolutions outside of one. “To live one day at a time~ I have no promise tomorrow is mine”. I know full well, I fall short of my goals everyday. Eddie said, the gyms are packed in January, thin out in February. And by March are empty. So, if I can reach my goals today? That’s a huge, great accomplishment.we never know what’s coming up this year. Integrity in major and truthfulness. Pangie, with hugs xxx
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/6/2023 10:40:00 AM
Pangie, I like your single resolution... it helps keep all the goals and dreams and plans in perspective. Live one day at a time. The more vintage we become, the more important it is to treat each day as a gift and each friend as a treasure. Love and hugs ~ John
Date: 12/23/2022 10:19:00 AM
My apologies for the delayed comment, John, I have been off PS for a while, but this is so stunning, I would say deceptively simple for I know how much work can go into them, I think I like 'walk humbly through forests of arrogance' and 'not be angry at the angry' the most. Hoping you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and New Years - also congrtulations on POTD!
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/6/2023 10:38:00 AM
you know I never am troubled by delays, my friend (even as my reply is two weeks behind), what matters is that you are expressing kind friendship in spelling out what lines struck you most and pouring encouragement and support into my poetry cup. Thank you for all your kind words and I hope you are enjoying your 2023 so far!
Date: 12/21/2022 4:13:00 AM
So worthy a POTD! Such character on display. May many read this and embrace the wisdom of your parents and more so, of God. Congratulations, John! A fave too!
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/6/2023 10:35:00 AM
Kim, I'm grateful for your show of support for this and the fave. Thank you for being you, and for the waves of kindness and support... happy new year ~ John
Date: 12/20/2022 10:56:00 AM
Well you sure topped my effort. I had a go at a ‘Resolutions’ poem… but I couldn’t think of anything to resolve. Congrats on POTD, John. I resolve to check POTD more frequently ;-) Terry
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/6/2023 10:31:00 AM
Terry, only the imperfect need resolutions, so I guess you're more perfected than I am... appreciate the visit and vote of confidence, my friend. Happy new year ~ John
Date: 12/20/2022 6:53:00 AM
What a magnificent Poem John my friend, such a clever, masterful poem full of truths yet injustices which you measure up with the good, Godly and the giving, or the bad and unforgiving. Congratulations on being awarded POTD for this intense write. You truly deserved this honor. Do you have a poet in your family or any of you children write poetry? I took from my English speaking Greek Grandfather who studied in England. I truly applaud all your poetry John. Hugs & BLESSINGS, Jennifer.
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/6/2023 10:34:00 AM
Dear Jenn, there are certain people's poetry and messages that bounce around in my head as I write, and you were certainly present for this one... I was reminiscing on your revised If poem, and when I read Jenna's resolutions poem, this one sort of poured itself out. Thank you for starting the chain of inspiration. Glad to yo know your and feeling better. Thank you for the delightful comments and the always friendly support you bring my way. Blessings and hugs ~ John
Date: 12/19/2022 2:15:00 AM
Fantastic poetry as usual, John. Love this piece...Congratulations on POTD! Merry Christmas to you and yours...blessings. Charlie
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/19/2022 11:23:00 AM
Charlie, it's good to hear from you, and to know you enjoyed this little tribute to my parents. Thanks for stopping by today and I wish you and your loved ones a merry Christmas as well (*whispering* - and a very happy birthday, my December twin, lol) ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 8:34:00 PM
Wonderful verse, my friend. Congratulations on POTD. Many Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/19/2022 12:10:00 AM
Thank you for reading and visiting my poem, dear Eve. Your support is appreciated and valued. Merry Christmas hugs to you along with many blessings ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 7:29:00 PM
John, first I would like to say the main thought within that tugs at my heart is this : "Follow the Golden Rule." True to the very core ! ! Our World *would be* a better place, if more followed this commandment. Second, your parents were wise, and it's easy to see you're just like them. (So wonderful indeed, my dear friend). I appreciate and respect my parents, more than words can express. Your character shines, within each Resolution you've made. Congratulations John, on Poem of the Day. I'm so blessed to know you here. Happy Holidays, to you and yours. :) Hugs, Brandy
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/19/2022 12:06:00 AM
Thank you for your sweet and thoughtful comment, Brandy. I know how special your parents are to you, and I know you can relate to my words. This poem is my tribute to them and the values and kindness and faith they passed down to their kids and lived out every day in front of us. They learned in the school of adversity, and I have stored up so many life lessons from them. I appreciate you and am grateful for your kind congratulations. Blessings and hugs to you, dear friend ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 5:10:00 PM
Gosh, John. ALL those resolutions are going to be difficult to keep but if anyone can do it, you can. Thanks so much for visiting my autumn poem. And congrats on a well deserved POTD on this one
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/19/2022 12:02:00 AM
Yes, very difficult to keep. But I suppose by aiming high, I will at least find some self-improvement and hopefully make the world a better place. Thank you for the kind words ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 11:31:00 AM
An amazing write, John! Filled with wisdom. If only the world would live like this, how wonderful it would be! Congrats on your POTD! Well deserved! Blessings, Kim M
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/19/2022 12:00:00 AM
Well, we can always hope the world will turn to wisdom. I am an eternal optimist that it will, someday. Thank you for your sweet message, Kim. Blessings ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 11:25:00 AM
And wonderful parents they must have been, John. This is an excellent list of resolutions and an equally excellent choice for POTD.
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/18/2022 11:59:00 PM
I agree with your assessment of how wonderful my parents were. Not that they were without flaw or blemish, but very real, salt of the earth types with kind hearts and deep values. Thank you for your endearing comment, Jim ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 11:20:00 AM
John, wonderful poem and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor, blessings
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/18/2022 11:57:00 PM
Thank you Constance for your thoughtful visit and congrats. Hope all is going well for you. Blessings ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 11:20:00 AM
Dearest John , What wise and deep felt words for all of us to live by . You have a gift my friend . Your heart and loving intentions shine through here in this beautiful poem .congratulations on POTD! A fave for me ! Thank you for sharing this with all of us . Sending big hugs and all blessings to you and yours for a wonderful holiday season . Susan :)
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/18/2022 11:56:00 PM
Grateful for you walking this trek with me through life, my friend. You are always ready to traverse the emotional depths with me and offer kind support along the way. Thank you for considering this a fave and for the honor of your poetic friendship. Hugs and blessings to you ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 9:28:00 AM
Congratulations on your POTD John Watt! Wise parents. Many blessings and a very “Merry Christmas” ~Anaya
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/18/2022 11:54:00 PM
Thank you I Am Anaya, I am always so grateful for your messages of uplift and positivity. A merry Christmas to you as well and blessings always ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 7:08:00 AM
May the resolved above revolve down through the generations, John. Congrats on POTD! ~ Gershon
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/18/2022 11:53:00 PM
Amen to that, my friend. Hopefully some of what I have learned from my parents (and my wife from her parents, who were also very special) has trickled down to our kids. Thanks for taking time to share your kind support ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 6:32:00 AM
A heartfelt write filled with thoughtful sentiment and earnest tongue. Congratulations on the honor of your POTD John! :)
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/18/2022 11:51:00 PM
Thank you, Linda. It is always so nice to hear from you and to receive your thoughtful encouragement. Enjoy your day ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 6:29:00 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. Have a blessed day writing away.............
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/18/2022 11:50:00 PM
Thank you Paula! Lovely to hear from you, I always appreciate you and your kind heart. May your day be blessed with writing as well ~ John
Date: 12/18/2022 5:57:00 AM
This is excellent John. So important and well written. Congratulations for POTD. A FAVE for me :)
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 12/18/2022 11:48:00 PM
Heidi, I am honored by your Fave, and grateful for your visit. Thank you for taking the time... I hope all is going well for you ~ John
12

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry