My resolution for this year
is to help put a stop to war.
I just might write a magical poem
and men won’t want to kill anymore.
My resolution for this year
is to help end world hunger.
After all, why not think big?
I'm not getting any younger.
My resolution for this year
is to make all street gangs disband
so young people can work together
toward brighter futures, hand-in-hand.
Some may think I'm unrealistic
or that I’ve finally come undone
but as Lennon said, I’m a dreamer –
it’s true - but I’m not the only one.
My resolution for this year
is to make racism finally die out;
to make people see, with their spirit,
what life on earth should be about.
My resolution for this year
is to rid the world of crime
so lovers, old folks and children
can go out walking anytime.
My resolution for this year
is to put an end to homelessness.
No one should sleep in an alley
in a country as wealthy as this.
Humanity has always suffered these woes
and these dreams of mine may never be.
So as I work for change, I'll change too
and let "peace on earth" begin with me.
Author notes
Happy New Year, to all the friends I know here at AP, and all the friends I don't know yet. May all your dreams come true in 2008.
A few people are misinterpreting this poem (some not very pleasantly) so an explanation may be in order -
I don't think I can single-handedly change all of the world's problems. That would make me a bona fide nutjob. But I do believe - as "FollowTheLight" says above, that the best thing we can do to make the world a better place is improve our own hearts and minds, and inspire others to do the same. But most important is positive ACTION. Doing something. Poetry and art in general is a perfect example of lighting a candle rather than just cursing the darkness. As Mother Teresa said, "Become the change you want to see in the world."
Thanks for reading,
Mark
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 61 of 61
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I really like your word "PEACE" made from the various religious symbols. What is the "E" from?
celtic quee -
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I looked through a glossary of religious symbols trying to figure that out but couldn't find any that resembled an E closely. I think they just wrapped some laurel leaves around the first E and made the other E in the shape of a dove because laurel leaves and doves are both symbols of peace.
Peace and love!
Mark
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I was seriously thinking of closing my contest because of so few entries, and those not of the quality I would like. Then I clicked on this piece.
Your thoughts are exactly what I was hoping to read. As an encouragement - and a contradiction to the "I'm just one person, what can I do?" mentality - think of Mother Theresa. No, she didn't end poverty and homelessness in India, or even Calcutta, but how many thousands did she eventually help to a better life?
Thank you for an inspiring poem. I will keep the contest open. celtic queen -
Mark,
I was re-reading your contest entry and meant to click 'next in contest' and instead clicked 'next', this was a pleasant mistake to have made. What a testament that attitude of wanting to be part of solutions to help end the ills you've mentioned, its something that has to begin within, in order for the outward effort to help. Its all to easy to throw up our hands or eyebrows and to say how can I change anything and as long as that's how we process it, we can't help to change anything.
Eery once again to have talked about something on how thinking one way and giving life to thoughts affects things, then stumbling across this poem that you must have written months ago for this year.
Reminds me of the song that a line says, "Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.", just as you've vowed to do.
Beautiful thoughts and gifts to yourself and to others with this. Thanks for having shared this. ap
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I hate to use the word "inspiring" because everyone else has, but, hell, IT IS! This is a perfect show of what a uniquely great person you are.
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*11/10*
You've got a hell of a resolution. Good luck with that.
I liked the rhyming in this piece, it really helped the flow. It's really quite a hopeful and inspiring piece, too (as was probably the goal). Keep writing. -
this is truely inspiring. you are clearly a caring individual who wants to help whomever he can.. its a very big resolution, and i hope you manage to keep it. well done. xx
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I just realized that my comment made no sense at all.......
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How pleasently non-sappy(
) and that's a good thing 
You've stated your New Years resolution wish list nicely,a nd make it seem possible. You may be only one, but everyone is only 'one'.
(And now ya got me hummin' 'Imagine'.) -
Thanks very much, Von. I hope your dreams come true in 2005, too. Thanks for checking out the interview!
Mark -
Mark: without this type of positive attitude, dreams or not great things have been achieved over the centuries. If just one person changed their minds about racial hatred, if one street gang decided to call it a day it's a start and that's the only place one can begin to make changes.
The Power of One is all it takes to make others think differently.
Bautifully written and I hope you can look back on 2005 and feel that you have achieved something.
~Von~
ps I enjoyed reading your interview on Allwrite too. -
EXCELLENT!
This is a wonderful piece. Too often people forget or maybe they are afraid to realize that change, any change ALWAYS starts in you... the person. The heart is a vastly underused source. I needed this re-affirmation this morning, Thank you.
As far as the poetry itself:
10/10 - Readability: It flowed very well, I didn't want it to stop
10/10 - Emotionality: One of the biggest things I can think of for poetry is the expression of emotion. Not only do I feel the things you mentioned but I "felt" that you did wholeheartedly too. Thank you, again, for sharing this with me, I needed it
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AMEN! Wow this is an incredible and heart warming. I think I'm going to rethink my new years resolutions now. Thank you very much for sharing...I really love this one.
Love,
Rabbit -
Hi Lena!
Thanks! Good to hear from you. I hope all is well with you and your little ones.
Mark
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Some absolutly wonderful thoughts for the new year you have my friend. I really love the inspiration you have in this piece and I wish you all the best for the new year!
love and hugs
~Lena~ -
Mark, this has such a solid message ringing so true here. I often have felt the same way. I wish I had that magical wand to grant those resolutions. Wouldn’t this world be a greater place to live in? Keep being a dreamer, because someday those dreams may come true my friend. And I loved the final line, let it begin with me. Nice touch.
~ John
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Well Said Uncle Mark Somehow this seems familar... odd huh?
I love you it must be so tiresome to hear people tell you that you are an inspiration to them and such 
... I can't believe that I didn't comment on this, I know I read it but somehow my comment didnit appear Oh well, Great Write and resolutions... 
... ---Sara
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Mark,
No thank you. You may not realize it but what you said means more to me than what anyone else has said because most of them know me personally but you don't and you said things that they don't even say. I still find it hard to believe that someone who writes as well as you do would even look at my poetry. I don't feel that I compare at all to most of the poets on this site. I do like the quote you put on here though....it does seem to be true at times. I am gonna go now before I end up writing all day. Thanks again.
Sharon -
distantpoet,
Your heart isn't "small, black and frozen" at all, at least not to me. If it really were all those things, nothing would move you or touch you at all. I think there is great passion in you just beneath the surface of your despair; despair which exists because of that passion. The "happiest" people are often the shallowest, but it's a fool's paradise. As Kahlil Gibran wrote, "The deeper sorrow carves into your heart, the more joy it can contain." I think that's true.
Thanks again,
Mark -
Once again you have written a truley awesome and powerful poem. I think if more people thought like you and were actually willing to help instead of just complaining because something needs to be done about the things that are not right in this world then maybe we would have a better world. Awesome poem once again. Keep up the great work and I pray that others will begin to see things as you do. I just love your poems. They really touch me where not very many things can........My heart is too small, black, and frozen to be touched very often without the poems being about death or abuse. Awesome job. Keep it up.
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DarkAlcamist,
This may come as a surprise but I can be very pessimistic, too. I curse the darkness 98% of the time and light a candle by writing poems like this one 2% of the time, but only the 2% is time well-spent.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Mark -
Mark,
I am quite honored to be quoted in your comments..thank you! I am also honored, as is Dragon, to know you...you are surely a unique person with a lot to say to shake us all up a bit! Thank you for caring and being courageous enough to take a stand...may we all be inspired by your example..
happy new year to you!
suzy -
Beautiful work Mark. This is an uplifting work, and it gets an awesome message across. It makes you think of how wonderful it would be if one single person could do this. It's a wonderful thought. (^: You've got some definite talent in pouring your emotions freely. I felt every one of them as I read. This poem brought a smile to my face, something i haven't had for a while. Thanks for sharing. (^: Blessed be.
-Ghostly- Keep Dreaming. -
Thanks, Dragon.
Honor sometimes seems to be getting more and more rare in this world, and honor is something you have in abundance.
And you're right - to help make the world a little better - at least that tiny portion of the world we can affect - we must become a living example of what we would like the world to be.
Thanks,
Mark -
Thank you so much for being a truly honest person, which is wonderfully expressed in your writing, and at the same time striving for change (for the better). It is truly an honor and quite humbling to stand next to you and be a part of your life. Such simple things as writing, can bring about so much change and you are one of the few that can accomplish something such as this, even if it is only yourself. Because people and situations can't be judged without turning that same judgement on themselves.....
Thank you...
Dragon -
Hi Suzy,
EXACTLY! Thanks for getting it. I quoted you in my author's comments because a few people haven't and were thinking I actually believed I could write a poem and end war. Someone even told me to have "more realistic goals". haha Anyway, it's always nice to see your name on my pages.
Happy New Year,
Mark
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Hi Diana,
I think saying "no one accomplished anything" might be a slight overstatement. There are definitely a lot of serious problems with human life, and there always have been, but there has always been a battle going on between good and evil, light and dark, etc. The same battle goes on within each of us. I'm not even referring to religion - just those moment-to-moment decisions that make us who we are. Am I going to exaggerate my injuries to get more money from the insurance company? Am I going to smile at the person who isn't smiling at me? Am I going to volunteer for a few hours a week at the hospital or let somebody else do it? There are a lot of things we can do to improve the world and add to the forces of light. As Mother Teresa said, most of us can't do great things (i.e., change the world with one fell swoop) but we can "do small things with great love."
I know you understand this principle since you agreed with the last line of this poem. So I'm "preaching to the choir", as they say. Just thought I'd share a few thoughts.
Happy second day of 2005! haha
Mark -
It all starts with just one person doing what they can to bring something better to the world, and then hopefully, one more and one more paying it forward. Too often people think the problems of this world are too overwhelming and just do nothing, but your poem brings hope and the idea that we can do something if each and everyone of us does our small part to effect change..just as you say here...
.I'll change too
and maybe it will all begin with me.
Words to live by and hopefully this year we'll get closer to that. Great write...Suzy
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Your ideas are good and I think the world would be great if your desires will come true. But, sorry to say so, many have wanted these things, but no one accomplished anything. However, I liked and totally agreed to your last line. I think that's the best thing we all could ans should do.
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with the spirit you possess,a lot of things can begin with you.there is a lot of love and sincerity in your words.i pray than collectively a lot of resolve to end these maladies.thank you for stopping by my page.i hope this will be a great year for you too.
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Amazing!
wow this was very beautiful I myself am very pessimistic and don't think this world will ever be safe till humans are gone. But this was very beautiful, it seems very heartfelt and i know what you mean to look out and see all these horrible things going on.... I wish you good look with your new years resolution. You have a lot of talent please keep it up -
I wish you the best of luck in making your resolutions come true. I don't have anything to say about your poem except that it was wonderful. Happy New Year!
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Nice poem
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Excellent
I love your resolution and I hope that one day it does come true..I invite you into my Group The Gleeks, you are a talented writer and I would love my group to support -
beautiful. I don't really have much too say, I loved the flow and how the rhyming was NOT contrived. Wonderful positive images. Worth all of the praise i see above me, one of the best ive seen in a while.
[.]idiotic[.]soul[.] -
One of the best poems I've ever seen!! How beautiful! I loved it all. There were no corrections I could make. Keep writing! Keep dreaming! You ARE NOT the only one. And this poem is just awe-inspiring. I wasn't expecting the ending like that, and it made it so much better! Please read and critique one, or a couple of my works. Beautiful write.
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A beautiful dream.... here's hoping for a fulfillment of it. Smiles. Write on, poet.
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i'd like to see the fourth stanza as either the first or last. the importance of what you're saying feels afloat in the middle.
other than that i find no flaw and my suggestion is merely a personal preference
how wonderful to read a hopeful poem that goes for the whole shebang and declares resolutions for the world not just one's self.
great concept! -
Hi Mari!
Thanks! I hope this is the best year ever for you, too. You're one of the most generous-spirited person on this site and you deserve it. Thanks for all the support, and for making me a fan of Brazilian music! Can't get enough of that stuff! lol
Love and peace 2u2,
Mark
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My dear friend, if you need a helping hand to accomplish those resolutions, please give me a call (or send an e-mail).
Dreams are not made to be kept in a drawer. And we always can start doing the very small things, which aren't really small after all; we can bring good words to the youth, we can write positive poetry, we can show support when they need to and most of all, we can make them feel and know that we understand.
One can't do much but two can do little more, and from two you know, a group of many may begin with small but certain steps
I wish you all the best this year Mark, may your life be blessed, and when troubles come (and they always do) that you have all the strength to go over them!
Love and peace,
Mari
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Well, I think this was a beautiful poem...and a very honorable resolution. I think most people would want that, I know I do. And as far as it being a fantasy...well obviously not one man can achieve that alone, but every one can do there part.
Great job as always. Oh yea...I really dug the Lennon reference! peace & Love, Shannon -
commendable write
Most wonderful yet difficult resolutions for the New Year but someone ought to come out with bright and newer ideas!A good thought itself is a job half-done and no nation, however rich, can brag or boast of true progress when basic freedom, security and amenities are lacking to the common man!nice to hear in verse form, some new year resolutions that have been sadly ignored in an affluent country!good, commendable, thoughtful write! -
Oh Mark , what a beautiful resolution...if one man could do it , I am sure you could ( just an observation of the you I know through some of your writes) And if you need a hand at this , count me in....for how beautiful it would be to see all this in the future...and also quoting the ever so wise John Lennon " Imagine " might be from the same song....it has been awhile that I have listened to the cd , and right now so early am some of the lyrics elude me , but the sentiments are there ,
In this New YearI wish you peace , comfort , health and gratification from giving what you so obviously do and give ,
zzz
Reenie
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Heey dude, this is so respectable; i love the optimistic flow and the echo of John my-favorite-Beatle-Lennon! This is an upbeat work and i would just say try working out the rough edges, like get rid of "just" line 3 and "for" line 5, and "help" line 6> Feel it out and get rid of the little words and the poetry comes much easier. Peace
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Hey, i hope your having a great new years, funny my resolution was to loose weight when all this stuff shouldve been on my list as well. It was a really great poem though, I love it it is very deep, Thakns for having it on featured. I needed to boost up my new year cuz when the clock struck twelve i got two tickets lol, But they weren't my fault, it was the deallers so luckily i wont have to pay!!! Thanks again, keep writing!
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Hey Azazel,
I hope the one you like most likes you back. Good luck, and remember - fortune favors the bold!
Mark -
This is a reallly beautiful piece (sorry Im drunk) but my new years resolution is too let one of the girls I REALLY like, let them know I like them, I hope you ha ve a merry new years, or happy, whatever im drunk, anyways good poem
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ForgottenLife,
This poem is not meant to be taken literally. It should probably be in the "fantasy" category, actually. I'm aware that nobody can single-handedly change all the problems in the world. My ego is not quite that big. Almost, but not quite. haha
Thanks for reading.
Mark -
And sorry if that criticism offends you or anyone but thats the wonder or it being a critique.... and i only speak of what i can back up so that too... and shipping... plus tax
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ok
WOW. i mean honestly..... sounds like the same crap people have been trying for-----ever. Congratz you are a true dreamer and stuff. Yes this is a good resolution but when people try something not attainable by themselves it is a waste of life. Do something that will change you and maybe help others but keep it in reach. Dreaming big is good yes but dreaming reasonable is better. I like the poem though it flows well and i like how you put the Lennon quote in it shows knowledge. -
This was an abasalutly excellent write! I really enjoyed this. It's aNew Years REsolution that everyone should have! REally wonderful job!
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Now if we could put into practice all of this, we would have a near perfect world. I think you did a wonderful job on touching so many ails of our world. Truly an inspirational write.
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thats very thoughtful! I will help too.
Help is what others need. Peace brings happiness to all of us.
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Impeccable Dream
'Humanity has always suffered these woes
and this is a dream that I may never see
so as I work for change, I'll change too
and maybe it will all begin with me.'
You know, my Friend...I've said it for years...if everyone would only make small changes, in their own corners of the World, the whole World would change...Looks like we're on the same page this evening, Mark...& why am I not surprised by that??? A beautiful write, Sweetheart...you just keep on dreamin', O Happy Wanderin' Man...you've got company on this Path...& no, we're not the only ones...Bravo, Mark...
Wanda
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Give Peace A Chance
Mark,
May all your resolutions come true one by one. And with a little help from your friends,they will. You can count me in.
~Michelle~
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Nice job in bringing Lennon into it. I'm sure he's smiling somewhere right now. Would that it were that simple. I think change begins with us... on an individual level. Then works its way up. I would hope, but then again, look at the election, who knows?
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EXCELLENT!
Amen! Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, Let it be..Whisper words of wisdom..Let it be!!!
<3 Maureen
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Wow Mark - once again you've created a masterpiece. This reminds me of the Tesla song - 'dream'. What a beautiful world that would be. Spread the love bro...
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Mark, what a beautifull wishes for the next year to come..we should all think same way and have same resolution..to have at least some peace in this World..and i loved your last part:
so I’ll just do my best to change myself
and maybe it will all begin with me.
if we all start the change by doing the best to change ourselves ..i am sure without even knowing it the World will be much better...
as usual my freind an outstanding write ..i love the way you master the English language..
Happy New Year to you too..
your freind YPL
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This is beautiful. Thank you so much for entering my contest with it, and good luck!
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