New Year’s Resolutions

Days in a Calendar by Rabeya Jalil. Courtesy: ArtChowk Gallery.

Welcome new year
just what we need
the old way’s not good enough anymore
I’d like to do my part
and other people’s part
to uplift one another
I promise to try my best
not to do certain things too often
and besides not to go too far
make an effort not to chew loudly
           sweat
           forget
           lose my temper
           not to meddle too much
but still to engage both hands
in boosting up plenty
to be soothing daily
remember to say hello
frequently put my signature on the good
           put band-aids on the bad
           wave to the old
           embrace the new
           do one thing
           stop doing the other
for a while
sure it can help
if you just turn your attention inward
as well as outward
pull weeds in your private life
as well as in the Congo
recognize your mistakes
like you recognize those of others
seize this opportunity
to make inroads
           with decisions
           resolutions
           renunciations
you know it’s only new year’s once a year
and if you should have relapses
(we are only human
and the year is so long
the world so large
and the future so uncertain)
it won’t matter that your vows were not obeyed
if you don’t tell anyone they were made.

~ trans. Michael Goldman

Benny Andersen is the foremost living poet and lyricist in Denmark. First published in 1960, he has produced 21 volumes of poetry along with numerous records, stories, screenplays and children’s books. Now 85, he continues to write and to perform to sold-out audiences in Denmark. He lives near Copenhagen.

Michael Goldman taught himself Danish over 25 years ago to help him win the heart of a lovely Danish girl—and they have been married ever since. Since leaving his career as a remodeling contractor two years ago, his translations have appeared in 16 literary journals. He is also a jazz clarinetist. Michael Goldman lives in Florence, Mass.