Regrets

A meditation on self punishment

They dwell in dark spaces,

Where the light cannot expose

Them for what they are,

For they have no reality of

Their own,

Except that given them by

Need.

Regrets are a sort of warped

Justice inflicted from within,

By those for whom repentance

Is not enough,

Who require suffering to effect

A balance.

They are rough garments, shirts

Of hair voluntarily worn,

And altogether needless, for

Punishment was never required

By a Love that knows nothing

Outside of itself,

And a Peace too profound to yield

To a continuous breaking.

Correction may leave a scar

But once,

But regrets keep the wound

In suppuration, so that only

Death or forgiveness will make

The infection cease.

Author's Note

Forgiveness begins with the self.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Too many of us are unable to forgive ourselves for past regrets or mistakes so we can move on. Instead we regurgitate them and suffer the consequences. A great piece of writing here John. So true to life.

Chris

[Kamani]

I’m in love with this... Very good work

[KWP]

Regrets live in the past don't they. But the past no longer exists (if it ever did at all) and yet isn't it funny how our minds like to hang out in the past, filled with regret that no longer holds any value except in our own minds? I have spent much time meditating on regret and I would like to think I have surpassed the need to hang out in that place of nowhere - but then - as I write this - who know what lessons are stilll in stall for me eh?

I love your words - love this poem it gives cause for reflection. I am just wonder if you could rewrite these lines:


Regrets are a sort of warped
Justice inflicted from within,

So they are not so 'in your face' and more hmmm metaphoric??? Just a perspective of course my friend. I live the thought behind this one XXX

[John the Baptist]

I appreciate your in-depth and thoughtful review. Indeed, nursed regret does keep us in the past, which like the future, is a space of unreality. We miss life itself when we dally there.

I am fascinated by your take on the "warped justice" stanza. I will think on it but probably won't rewrite. Chronic regret, to me, is a perversion and misapplication of justice.

[Alessander]

quite gritty and unflinching. The description was dead on - meditation on self punishment.

Shame. Regret. The strange desire for self-flogging as penance, to seek pain, not god, as a means to forgiveness and salvation.

Suppuration is a great word. Had to look it up.

Might even be a title to this.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. Some people seem to feel they need punishment, even when they don't know why.