Things I Have Regretted

This poem was written for our monthly church poetry group. The theme was 'Regret'. I hope you enjoy reading it!

Things I have Regretted 

The promises I've broken;

The promises that were wrong;

The times I should have spoken;

The times I should have held my tongue.

The follies of my youth;

The reserve that comes with time;

The times when I have told the truth 

when a lie would have been more kind. 

Foolish ways I spent my money;

Trying too hard to be cool;

The jokes I thought were funny 

when really they were cruel.

The times I should have had more grace;

Times I should have taken stands;

The times I tried hard to save face 

when I should have held up my hands.

The times I should have gone to bed;

The times I should have not;

The times the things that were in my head 

were better I forgot.

The window glass; the help not lent;

That extra glass of wine;

The words I said and that I meant;

Believing I had time.

The late night kiss that never was;

The flight I never flew;

The air rifle; The money box;

But never - not once - you.