NEW WORLD'S RESOLUTIONS

Inspired by "Resolution #1,003" from Haruko/Love Poems by June Jordan

“Resolution #1,003” by June Jordan. I do not own the rights to this text.

I am perched on my dead cousin’s bed typing this introduction. I set my makeup bag down on top of a Thank You card he never sent. I leave for Manhattan in the morning. It’s almost 2024.

What you are about to read comes from an unpublished portfolio of creative nonfiction I wrote when I was nineteen, turning twenty. I rounded out the essay collection—and by extension, 2020—with NEW WORLD’S RESOLUTIONS. Lists feel lazy, but the intentions I set for myself three years ago manage to resonate. At least they do tonight.

There is much more to say, but I’ll save it for the new year. Or, rather, the new world we are tasked with building.

See you on the other side,

Kennedy

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NEW WORLD'S RESOLUTIONS

INSPIRED BY "RESOLUTION #1,003" FROM HARUKO/LOVE POEMS BY JUNE JORDAN

1. WHEN THERE’S NOTHING LEFT WORTH SEEING, GO TO SLEEP. SOONER THAN YOU THINK. REST AS REMEDY

2. WRITE EARLY, LATE & OFTEN

3. REMEMBER HOW IT FELT TO DANCE. KEEP REMEMBERING UNTIL YOUR BODY DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT

4. THINK LESS OF PENALTIES AND MORE OF REWARDS

5. EAT SPICY FOOD BEFORE IT MAKES YOUR THROAT ITCH (LIKE MOM’S)

6. READ A BOOK. REPEAT

7. WATCH LOTS OF TELEVISION, NEVER REGRETFULLY

8. HONOR BOUNDARIES THAT ESTRANGE PAIN

9. SIT WITH WHAT SOMEONE SAYS

10. STOP BREAKING YOUR OWN HEART

11. GATHER POTENTIAL ENERGY