9 New Year’s Resolutions to Astound your Friends

Posted on 2023-12-26 by Bartholomew Barker

In the extravagant late December dark
I listen to rain fall and wish it were snow.

The fan on my computer whirs up to meet
my tinnitus when I should be using my pen.

Seems like less peace than usual these holidays
but I resolve not to take it personally.

The sirens I hear at night are only ambulances
and fire trucks, not warnings of drones or missiles.

At least I have unbroken windows
although there isn’t any snow.

(For Sammi’s Weekend Writing Prompt and Living Poetry’s Monday Poetry Prompt.)

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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14 Responses to 9 New Year’s Resolutions to Astound your Friends

  1. DD's avatar Deedee (DD) says:
    2023-12-26 at 20:37

    These are the days of miracle and wonder…

    Liked by 1 person

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  2. Michele Lee's avatar Michele Lee says:
    2023-12-26 at 21:30

    Felt this one, Bart. Your poem put things into perspective. 🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. berniebell1955's avatar berniebell1955 says:
    2023-12-27 at 09:34

    I was thinking along similar lines. It’s blowing a hoolie here in Orkney – but – the howling and slashing are wind and rain – not missiles.

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. berniebell1955's avatar berniebell1955 says:
    2023-12-27 at 10:37

    PS – Will be in m’blog tomorrow.

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. Cheryl Batavia's avatar Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet says:
    2023-12-27 at 16:20

    Love this relatable poem, Bart! <3 Happy 2024!

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. JeanMarie's avatar JeanMarie says:
    2023-12-27 at 18:27

    Well done., Poignant and melancholy

    Liked by 1 person

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