Resolutions

Each New Year's Eve I used to

On my misdoings of the past,

And vowed: "This year I'll be so good -Well, haply better than the last."My record of reforms I

To Mum who listened sweetly to it:"Why plan all this, my son?" she said;        "Just do it."Of her wise words I've often thought -Aye, sometimes with a pang of pain,

When resolutions come to naught,

And high resolves are sadly vain;

The human heart from failure bleeds;

Hopes may be wrecked so that we rue them . . .

Don't let us dream of lovely deeds -        Just do them.

And so, my son, uphold your pride.

Believe serenely in your soul.

Just take things in a steady stride,

Until behold! you've gained your goal.

But if, perchance, you frame a

Of conduct, let it be a free one:

Don't try to make yourself a man -        Just be one.