Big thanks to Nilavronill Shoovro, Stacia Lynn Reynolds
 and the Editorial Team at Our Poetry Archive for publishing
this poem in their January issue:

https://ourpoetryarchive.blogspot.com/2018/01/linda-imbler.html

RESOLUTION 2018

I will go where two parallel rivers run,

yet launch my vessel upon the calmer one,

between the straighter shores.

I will go over underwater rocks with ease,

for I will have believed in the power of early Spring rains

that will help the waters rise.

I will be buoyant because I have lightened my load,

discarded what would weigh me down.

And when I must follow a crooked course,

I will float heedful around obstructions,

past stricken, empty ships,

keeping my eyes facing the bow.

I will glide fast, yet true

along the shores of reeds

at open land’s edge,

and spy the glow-worm’s treat

and harken to cicada’s thrum.

I will attend to crooning troubadours along the shore,

whose well-wishing rhythm,

whose rhyme and meter hearten me,

taking me happily forward.

Later, I will listen to my fellow mariners tell stories of glory

and downstream, when I meet other sailors for the first time,

I will extend my hand at the widest part of the river,

for that is where the longest bridge must be built.