Nights of Pale Regret
On Love, Memory, and the Burden of What Remains

In shadows cast by nights of pale regret,
We weave our dreams where silence dares to tread,
A haunting trace that we can’t forget.
With every whisper, secrets come to pet,
The fragile heart that mourns the words unsaid,
In shadows cast by nights of pale regret.
Your laughter lingers still, a sweet duet,
My mind, a labyrinth of threads to shed,
A haunting trace that we can’t forget.
Each fleeting chance, like sun, begins to set,
While memories rush in like tears, they spread,
In shadows cast by nights of pale regret.
Obsessive thoughts, in spinning webs, are met,
Each pulse a reminder to the heart, lead dread,
A haunting trace that we can’t forget.
So here I stand, a soul in deep debt,
To dreams of love that time has slowly bled,
In shadows cast by nights of pale regret,
A haunting trace that we can’t forget.
About the Creator
Tim Carmichael
Tim is an Appalachian poet and cookbook author. He writes about rural life, family, and the places he grew up around. His poetry and essays have appeared in Bloodroot and Coal Dust, his latest book.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme

Comments (5)
Wow, this was wonderful to read. The poem instantly sets such a powerful mood. I immediately picked up on the great use of half-rhyme and the rhythm in the pairings like 'pale regret' and 'dares to tread'. I can't tell you how beautiful the line 'To pet the fragile heart' is. It was such a total surprise. Vulnerability expressed in such a delicately way. It's stunning.
the feeling of burden grew with the progression of your poem, great work
Brilliant writing Tim! Bravo!
This was so poignant and brilliantly written. Loved it!
You excel in the villanelle. Great job once again, Tim.