What Might Have Been

Looking back at missed opportunities. Rhymed with anapest meter.

As we age we regret words of anger and spite

That were heard and remembered and can't be unsaid.

The remarks we thought clever or proved we were right

That resulted in losses of friendships instead.

All the heartbreaks that came from suspicion and doubt,

The betrayals and hurts we refused to forgive,

The companions and love that our pride has cast out,

And the chances we missed that we'd like to relive.

All the pathways not taken and bridges uncrossed,

All the times, had we acted, a difference made,

The potential delights that timidity lost,

And the kindness and debts that we never repaid.

All the secret dishonors we long to forget,

And the wrongs we inflicted in order to win.

For the strongest of sorrows are those of regret

And the saddest remembrance is what might have been.

Reviews

[lightsong]

Some of Your thoughts reach into the deep of a human fear and complexity, and though I think sadly reading Your words, not only for old people, but for those whom are still young and still have the chance to change their life, and they don't take this chance, if they don't learn from life, and from stories and words told, like Yours here, then what? if they don't change their inside to walk through it satisfied, then also what?

Your poems always bring with simplicity wisdom to the younger generation, I hope they have the ears to here, Thank You*

[richom]

Thank you very much. I don't know how many young people use this site (I joined just this week), but I strongly agree with you that the message in the poem would be of more value to young people than old because it might serve as a cautionary tale on how not to lead their lives.

[lightsong]

There are more than enough young ones here :) and again, I warmly welcome You here 🌼🌼🌼

[matelotrod]

Like a walk down memory lane Richard, so glad that I have found you once again. Let's hope that we can be secure in this WC, maybe I should change that as a WC in the UK is a toilet!! Take care Rod.

[kitty]

I can relate to these words my friend. Good to see your work again. The strongest reaction to this is 'Gratitude' for having had the experience. Have a lovely evening. Welcome to a fellow writer from WN - no longer exists.

[peter Duggan]

Nice poem Richom, yes as one gets older the regrets come floating to the top causing much sorrow. Best thing we can do is concentrate on what we are now and cast the past aside. I enjoyed this flowing rhyming poem , my friend. Thank you for sharing....Peter

[richom]

Thank you for reading and reviewing this...Richard (richom)