At Sunday Scribblings, the call was for the theme “manifesto.” This seems apropos as we approach the wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am killer-diller of all manifesto proclamation days… you know what I’m talking about: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!
MANIFESTO DESTINY
No matter what the resolution
I always messed it up
I confess, I’m mistress of the
revolution against New Year’s promises
all broken by Valentine’s Day
That year of the grapefruit diet
I fainted in the street
Lack of protein, said the doctor
Thus began the evolution of my desire
to quash sad manifestos
Friends who “will quit smoking on January first”
Suck ‘em up Dec. 31
Like a junkie determined to
wrench the monkey from his back
but keeps the tourniquet as a memento
Gyms are packed that first week of the year
Then one by one, they peel off
petals of a fading rose
that shrivels for lack of water
or that packet of crap you’re supposed to dissolve in the vase
Let’s face it.
New Year’s resolutions are
useless self-sabotage
Setting yourself up for failure
before the hangover even kicks in
(c) 2010 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
Debbie
Amy . . .I just crack up when I read you! this is great and I loved the line about the grapefruit diet! Thank you for sharing!
Sharp Little Pencil
The grapefruit diet part is TRUE, how sad/funny is that? I always tell on myself! Thanks, Debbie. Merry Christmas, nine more days of it to go! Today is the Ladies Dancing, I do believe…
Jae Rose
Killer last line – and yes, the ‘grapefruit’ diet line was very funny (though not for you, poor thing)..let’s have a happy new day everyday..Jae
Sharp Little Pencil
Jae, you may be onto something… every day a happy new day. And I also like Grizz’ suggestion that the one unbreakable NY Rez is to have at least one cup of coffee every day. There’s one I know I could keep… wink
Amy
Nanka
Made a fun read and had a smile all the while 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
So glad I could bring a smile. Will check you out today, Nanka! Peace, Amy
gs batty
great manifesto…we all (well most of us) fall into the same trap every new year. A new beginning…a chance to renew ourselves but as you say, most turn to failure so I have cured that in my life..
me resolution each year is to drink at least one cup of coffee every day….awwwww…success is a wonderful thing.
Happy New Year
Sharp Little Pencil
Now that’s a resolution I could keep, very easily. Even if I was in hospital, I’d insist on an intravenous hookup,!
Happy New Year to you, too, “Grizz”!
RJ
I totally agree – and therefore, never make any resolutions whatsoever. (Take that, Grapefruit Diet!)
That’s my manifesto! ☼
Sharp Little Pencil
Yeah, baby, yeah!!
JanePoet ~ Deborah
You’re right, these broken manifestos have plagues me year after year. But, I resolve, to keep them this year!
Ramesh sood
What a reality this, Amy and the way you have put it and perhaps shown a mirror to many! Lovely poem absolutely on dot.. well taking a lead so no hard resolutions for me.. Each day itself is such a wonderful experience.. But, one resolution I make every year.. that is… God help me Practice Happiness this year too!!!! Join me..
Thanks for getting connected with my page.. I reciprocate..
Sharp Little Pencil
Ramesh, well said. Asking God for help to practice happiness… and that comes in so many forms, including helping others, allowing others to help you, seeking paths of enlightenment and joy. I surely will join you, because God and happiness (and for me, a big dose of patience, especially with myself) are a great way to go.
Thanks for adding me to your connections! Loving this web of talent… Peace, Amy
Mary Bach
Hahahaha! That’s great!
Jingle
Let’s face it.
New Year’s resolutions are
useless self-sabotage
Setting yourself up for failure
before the hangover even kicks in..
bravo, well done, Happy New Year.
Sharp Little Pencil
“before the hangover even kicks in”!! Go, Jingle! Happy New Year to you, too. Amy
Jingle
Greetings, how are you?
Welcome join us at potluck week 16, with theme as celebrations and festivities..
We value your support, Have A blessed Holiday!
Best Wishes 4 the year of 2011….
xoxox
Eric
Many years ago I made a New Year’s Resolution that I’ve been able to keep every year since then…
Don’t make any more New Year’s Resolutions!
LeiffyV
Wow, I have to admit I never thought of it that way before. I always ignored the traditional resolutions because most people are never serious about them. They don’t keep track and aren’t ever going to do anything other than fail. A new year day every day… Good ol’ Jae always knows what to say!
Thanks for sharing this, so glad you did!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks for much for visiting, Leiffy. If that address above is your blog, I’m gonna visit you, too. And yes about Jae, she is a hoot and absolutely right about how to handle resolutions. The other was G.S. Batty (“Old Grizz”), who had a resolution I can surely keep: To drink at least one cup of coffee every day!!! Happy New Year, Amy
Old Egg
I wish I could be so funny at this end of the year. Bravo for an excellent post.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much! Maybe the reason is twofold: First, a welcome move to a larger city that actual sports a poetry society (Madison, WI); and second, I don’t shop for Christmas. Just give one big gift to the Heifer Project in honor of family and friends. So Christmas in our pastoral household is pretty simple!
Cheers and Happy New Year, and thanks again, AMy
Eric
That’s why I made a resolution (that I’ve kept ever since) to NOT make any more resolutions. Don’t worry, be happy! (LOL!)
pamela
Amy, I am not sure how I missed this. I really enjoyed it.
Happy days are ahead of us!
Pamela
Sharp Little Pencil
Pamelita, I agree wholeheartedly. Like Streisand sang, “Happy Days Are Here Again”! Amelita
uponthewingsofnight
I must admit that I have been one of those people who keep trying out resolutions, only to watch them immolate themselves. I am hopeful that I can, regardless of when I resolve to do it, lose weight. So far, 25 lbs gone! Brett