It’s April Fools’ Day—don’t be led astray, Believe nothing you hear, in no kind of way. Trust no fisherman, with tales long and bold, Their stories grow taller each time they’re told.
Today is a jest, but so is the year, Deception and laughter walk hand in hand here. Just like any other day, truth wears a disguise, With a wink in its eye and mischief that flies.
So laugh at the lies, and cherish the jest, For sometimes the fibs are simply the best. But if someone says they caught “one this big,”— Just smile and nod… and call out their gig.
A brand-new year, a hopeful start, Let’s embrace it with a joyful heart. Leave behind the weight of doubt and fear, For brighter days are drawing near.
With a positive mind and spirits high, We’ll spread our wings and touch the sky. Each challenge we face, a chance to grow, Through trials, our strength will always show.
Let gratitude guide each step we take, And kindness bloom in the choices we make. Together we rise, as dreams come alive, Hand in hand, let us thrive in ’25.
For every sunrise brings a chance anew, To build, to create, to follow through. With courage and love as our steadfast guide, There’s no mountain too steep, no ocean too wide.
So onward we march, with hearts so true, In ‘25, there’s nothing we can’t do. Let’s lift each other, and together we’ll strive, To make this the year we truly thrive!
To live for the moment, to cherish the now, To savor each heartbeat, to make this my vow. The past is a story, its chapters complete, Its lessons are learned, its echoes retreat.
The future looms vast, with worries untold, A tapestry woven in threads of pure gold. But why should I fret for a time yet to be, When the present is waiting, as boundless as sea?
I’ll laugh with the sunrise, I’ll dance in the rain, Find joy in the simple, find peace in the plain. For life is a gift, too fleeting to waste, Each moment a treasure, too precious to haste.
So here’s my resolve, as the old year departs, To live for the moment—with all of my heart.
In battles fierce with vices, take your stand,
A warrior within, against the shadows grand.
Let peace with neighbors be your constant song,
Harmony that echoes, enduring and strong.
As the new year dawns, a chance to renew,
A better version of yourself, tried and true.
Forge ahead with wisdom, leave the past behind,
A journey of growth, in every step you find.
January 1, 2024
Mark waldrop
Created from a quote from Benjamin Franklin, in his December, 1755 edition of Poor Richard's Almanac.
Happy New Year
To all those who Can Hear
Only Look For The Very Best
Discarding the Rest With Cheer
With GOD Ahead of Me
And JESUS By My Side
There’s Nothing I Can’t Do or Decide
In Good Times, I Will Rejoice
In Hard Times, I Will Pray
In All Other Times, I Will Remember
To Do The Very Best, I Can Today
When Time Comes to an End For Me
I Will Gladly Say
Thank You, GOD, for walking with me all the way.
January 1, 2022
Mark Waldrop
In the glow of the twinkling holiday light, There are hearts cloaked in shadow, longing for night. For the laughter once shared, the love once near, Now echoes in memories, cherished yet clear.
Some face the first of the holidays alone, With aching hearts for the love that has flown. Others, the last, with each moment they hold, Precious as diamonds, more valuable than gold.
So as you revel in the season’s cheer, Pause for the silent, the grieving, the near. For joy’s bright mantle may not always show The weight of the burdens others may know.
Be kind in your words, be tender, be true, Give a smile, lend a hand, share what’s good in you. For a small spark of love, a moment of grace, Can light up the darkest, most sorrowful place.
This season of giving is more than a time, It’s a chance to heal wounds, to soothe and to climb. Together, through joy, through sorrow, we’ll find, The strength in compassion—the heart of mankind.
