But

By John Blase | January 2, 2013 |

On January 1, 2013, I resolved not to cuss so much

but hell, that one went to shitsville before noon. I resolved

to not be so fussy when it comes to fiction but then

Louise Erdrich uses a phrase like ‘small-time hypocrites’

and I vowed once more that I shall keep my eyes from

worthless prose. I resolved to not coddle my kids so much

but then I remembered the ashen parents of Sandy Hook

who I betcha would plead with me to go on and coddle

like there’s no tomorrow. I resolved to wear fancier blue jeans,

maybe a pair with curly stitching on the back pockets to

draw your gaze to my rear, but then I slipped on my old

faded Levis and was sore ashamed at such adulterous

thoughts. And last but not least on the very first day of

such an august new year I resolved to not try to be optimistic,

pessimistic, or realistic; but I will gladly exclaim I did

rededicate my days to the dogged pursuit of tenderness.

Teresa Evangeline on January 2, 2013 at 1:33 pm

We should all rededicate our days to “the dogged pursuit of tenderness.” Lovely poem.

- thebeautifuldue on January 2, 2013 at 6:51 pm
  
  Thank you, Teresa.
  
consolationofmirth on January 2, 2013 at 2:00 pm

Nothin’ wrong with cussing in your Levi’s.

- thebeautifuldue on January 2, 2013 at 6:52 pm
  
  Yes, some things just fit.
  
Sarah Bessey (@sarahbessey) on January 2, 2013 at 5:11 pm

Amen.

- thebeautifuldue on January 2, 2013 at 6:52 pm
  
  Thanks, Sarah…I hope you are well.
  
pastordt on January 2, 2013 at 10:10 pm

Love this. And tenderness is the very best resolution I can think of. Good to let all those others just slide away.

This Week's Top Ten Poetic Picks - Tweetspeak Poetry on January 3, 2013 at 1:02 pm

[…] Blase puts his hand to them, too, although it’s not quite what you’d expect. In “But,” he […]

Megan Willome on January 3, 2013 at 10:46 pm

I love “dogged pursuit of tenderness.”

In which I link you up (vol. 1.7) | Sarah Bessey on January 4, 2013 at 3:14 pm

[…] But by John Blase […]

wynnegraceappears on January 5, 2013 at 6:22 pm

There is an echoing of amens here . Tender amen.

Lindsey on January 11, 2013 at 10:08 pm

This is so lovely!