I've been thinking
a lot about regret
How it unifies us
how it divides us
a commonality
of being human
-
People like to say
"No regrets"
But I wonder
Have they ever
Really truly lived?
-
People like to say
"It's better to regret
Something you have done,
Than to regret
Something you haven't done!"
-
Is that...
Is that really so?
-
It may be blunt
But if you live life
Regret nothing at all
I feel sorry for you
You must be
some kind of monster
-
When you say you have
No regrets at all
There's nothing
You regret at all
Or feel shame about
Something is wrong
-
We're not talking
Sky-diving or skiing
Running that marathon
Taking that trip
Kissing that boy or girl
Taking that job
-
We're not talking
Standing by your beliefs
Running around (after loved ones)
Taking time out
Spending it with friends
Taking that chance
-
We're talking
Missteps and mistakes
Running your mouth (without thinking)
Taking that shortcut
Upsetting someone, anyone
Taking that loan
-
We're talking
Lying and cheating
Cruelty and hate-speak
Stealing your way through life
Hurting/killing someone, anyone
Stepping on others for success
-
Life without regrets
Life without humbling
Life without regrets
Life without learning
Life without regrets
Life without developing
-
Life without regrets
Life without living
*
Thanks for reading!
Been wanting to write a piece like this for a while, as I hate when people say they have no regrets. Have not been able to find the right words until now.
Some others you might like, if you have the time or inclination:
You can also take a look at the rest of my work here.
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
Streams and Scratches in My Mind coming soon!
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Comments (12)
I love the premiss of this Paul. This idea that although people would like to preach no regrets but you put the question of "Is that really how you want to live?" to them. This was relatable and so enticing for me, I am very much in agreement with you. I struggle with people that don't regret the poor choices they make, but I also feel like they take on the mantra of "no regrets" because they want to tell everyone they don't care. Which more often than not, those are the people that care most...
Once again a brilliant poem! Enjoyed this perspective
I felt this, my friend. I think this is a very real feeling for many. I love the way you displayed and executed your emotion here. Very compelling poem ❤️
I life lived without regrets is either very brief or completely oblivious to anything & anyone around them (& insufferably obnoxious to be around). Marvelous set of reflections.
Lol, I regret being brought into this world 🤣🤣🤣 My whole life is full of regrets. Mostly things I did compared to the things I didn't. I loved your poem!
This is an interesting perspective, though I cannot relate to it. I do not have regrets. I’m just now learning I’m not obligated to forgive others for their cruelty, whether they regret it or not. It’s for them to forgive themselves for. Yes, I definitely think regret is healthy for those who’ve victimized others, but some of us have been programmed from birth to walk on eggshells, because anything could set our caretaker off, and cause us to be severely beaten. We learn to not say or do anything that could be taken the wrong way, and we learn that other people’s anger is our fault—even when they were angry before meeting us. We initially regret giving people we cared about multiple chances to manipulate and harm us… and blame ourselves. We feel stupid, and undeserving of kindness. Then, we learn our shame is not ours to carry. We don’t forgive people who’ve shown who they are. We protect ourselves, we remove ourselves from harm, and we don’t regret people having to sit with the consequences of their actions, alone. Just my perspective. Signed, a monster 😉
That’s very interesting. Some people also have no regerts, I hear!
YES! I agree, I think some regret is a sign of growth and maturing. I know I have some regrets for running my mouth and wishing I could undo a few mistakes! Great poem!
Totally agree with this. Regrets are kinda just part of having a soul 🤷🏼♀️
Paul, this might be my favorite piece of yours so far (which is really saying something). Your perspective is so powerful, clear, and true. Beautiful point, outstanding execution! Really hope this gets TS - a lot of people could benefit from this message 💙 On another note - I’ve had to scale back my time on here lately. No I’m not mad at Vocal, there’s no drama 🎭 lol. Just life and shifting priorities. Wanted to let you know I am as keenly interested in You and your writing now as ever, I’m just not able to read every piece these days. Lots of love brother 💙
This poem make you ponder about life for sure. Regret also is a process of learning . Excellent poem, Paul as always 🤗Congratulations on making the Leaderboard this week 🥳🎉
I had been on a similar train myself this week. Thanks for sharing.