On Days and Moments
One friend resolved to finally lose weight...
Another - he said he'd no longer be late.
Another swore over and over again
That this was the year she'd learn about Zen.
At work we made pacts not to do this and that
Not to do the dumb things that we just poke fun at.
We also made treaties to be more efficient
To stop the debate when it's more than sufficient.
And we promised each other to save much more often
Cause the blow of lost docs is just too hard to soften.
On the homefront we promised more cleaning and waxing
But we also swore off any chores that were taxing.
For myself, I just wondered about the best way
To ensure next year's days will be good day-to-day.
I wanted to see just what else I could do
To assure that each day was lived truer than true.
So I set a few personal goals for myself
And thus far those goals aren't up on the shelf.
I've started to psych myself up for success
Even though these are goals that I fear, I confess.
It's not that the goals dredge up tears, dread or hate
It's just that old habits are so hard to break.
But I must claim some tiny degree of self-pride
For making a goal and attempting to strive.
THAT IS, I was proud 'til I spoke to my friend...
And remembered how little our worldview extends
I jokingly asked "Pattie, please do tell all!!"
"What resolve have you planned post the drop-of-the-ball??"
She seriously said "it's the same as last year"
A calm and cool answer which triggered my fear.
I wondered aloud "was repeat a bad sign?"
Maybe last year's resolution hadn't worked the first time.
But leave it to Pattie to know a good thing
Turns out last year's goal had a really good ring.
It was one year ago - in days, that's a while
That she swore she'd be sure to make someone else smile
She swore that she'd do this each day of the year
And she swore that each gesture would be most sincere.
But the key wasn't just that she did oh so much.
The really great part is the lives that she touched.
See, Pattie made clear that the smiles she strived for
Couldn't be on the faces of those known before.
So getting a laugh from her kids or her neighbors
Those got her no points. No progress, no favors.
Getting a chuckle at church or at work
Just didn't get her the "I DID IT!" perk.
For more than three hundred and sixty long days,
Pattie found strangers to guide through the haze.
And damned if she didn't bring each one some cheer.
(Although one or two may have just felt some weird fear)
She kidded with clerks and attendants and teachers
She shmoozed it on up with policemen and preachers.
So in 2004, Pattie's at it again.
And she's sure she'll succeed
Time and again.
Happy New Year - I Hope It's Safe, Peaceful and Filled With Good Moments....d
"We do not remember days...we remember moments."
~ cesare pavese ~
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