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A Poem About Carrying Positivity Into the New Year
A poem that celebrates leaving negativity behind and carrying life's true treasures forward.
As the year draws to a close, we often find ourselves reflecting on what to take forward and what to leave behind. In his inspiring poem "I Pack My Trunk," Amos R. Wells paints a vivid picture of this process. With wisdom and a touch of humor, he encourages us to leave behind the weight of negativity, including anger, doubts, and fears, and instead pack the treasures that truly matter: friendship, courage, faith, and memories of kindness.
This poem serves as a gentle reminder that stepping into a new year is an opportunity to start fresh, carrying only what enriches our lives and brings us joy.
Updated September 26, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
I Pack My Trunk
Poet: Amos R. Wells
What shall I pack up to carry
From the old year to the new?
I'll leave out the frets that harry,
Thoughts unjust and doubts untrue.
Angry words--ah, how I rue them!
Selfish deeds and choices blind;
Any one is welcome to them!
I shall leave them all behind.
Plans? the trunk would need be double.
Hopes? they'd burst the stoutest lid.
Sharp ambitions? last year's stubble!
Take them, old year! Keep them hid!
All my fears shall be forsaken,
All my failures manifold;
Nothing gloomy shall be taken
To the new year from the old.
But I'll pack the sweet remembrance
Of dear Friendship's least delight;
All my jokes--I'll carry them hence;
All my store of fancies bright;
My contentment--would 'twere greater!
All the courage I possess;
All my trust--there's not much weight there!
All my faith, or more, or less;
All my tasks; I'll not abandon
One of these--nay pride, my health;
Every trivial or grand one
Is a noble mine of wealth.
And I'll pack my choicest treasures:
Smiles I've seen and praises heard,
Memories of unselfish pleasures,
Cheery looks, the kindly word.
Ah, my riches silence cavil!
To my rags I bid adieu!
Like a Croesus I shall travel
From the old year to the new!
Key Reflections in This Poem
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Leave Negativity Behind
The poet reminds us that anger, doubts, fears, and failures do not need to follow us into a new year. Leaving these burdens behind gives us a chance to begin again with a lighter heart.
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Carry Positivity Forward
Instead of focusing on regrets, the poet chooses to carry happy memories, friendships, courage, and faith. These are the true riches that bring joy and strength into the year ahead.
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Value What Truly Matters
The poem reminds us to cherish the little things, such as smiles, kind words, and the work we have to do. These simple treasures help us move forward with gratitude and purpose.
It is a wonderful reminder to step into a new year with a lighter heart and a clearer focus.
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Conclusion
As we step toward a brand new year, the message of this poem encourages us to pause and choose what we carry with us. Letting go of what weighs us down opens space for joy, faith, courage, and the simple moments that brighten life. When we hold on to kindness, gratitude, and hope, we move forward with confidence. May you enter the coming year with a full heart, ready to embrace every blessing that awaits you.
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