One resolution

       this New Year's Day -- not to make

       one resolution.

       --

       Robert Major (1920-2008). From "Haiku World," edited by William J. Higginson. Kodansha International (1997).

       We've all had this experience, no doubt, of wanting to avoid the pressure of resolutions. So why make them in the first place? We have many good reasons to make resolutions, of course (how about to write haiku every week, if not every day?), but we can also be kind to ourselves if we want to, and back away from any demand that feels unattainable. This poem frames its middle line with a repeated phrase, which contributes to its humourous effect. And we smile at the irony of contradicting oneself in making a resolution not to make resolutions! Some readers might consider this poem to be a senryu rather than a haiku, but the strong seasonal reference suggests that we might still consider it to be a haiku. We can enjoy the poem either way and join the poet in celebrating the turn of the year with a deepened awareness of our human tendencies. Robert Major was active with the Haiku Northwest group in Seattle, Washington, in the United States.

       Selected and commented on by Michael Dylan Welch

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