Respite from Regret
Don’t we miss a missing thing? Keen, lack
–a sparrow pecking salt into one’s wary eye.
and the dead, their names a canticle I reckon.
I have grown tired of sewing my fingers tired
(my big body shrugs into its winding shroud).
I’ve missed so many versions of myself
20 thoughts on "Respite from Regret"
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This poem has great form and rhythm. You end it well too.
Thanks so much, Linda! I just realized I used the word ‘tired’ twice in one line, which might be a little too much even for me, though!
Shaun – I like the repetition here. I think we can all relate to the ending, all our regrets, missing our past (both better and worse) selves. Thoughtful and bittersweet.
Thanks, Sylvia. Sometimes I lack the ability to remember my past well, and I wonder, what would then-Shaun would have thought about x?
There are many noteworthy pieces to this – canticle of names, sewing fingers tired, and the ending is very, very good!
Thanks so much, Nancy! I think we all must have our own books of names
So many things I love here: move the morrow…canticle I reckon…sewing my fingers. Bravo! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Wendy!
That last stanza is a powerhouse Sean. Wonderful, but heavy on the heart.
Thanks, Bill! It’s kind of an ambiguous image!
Wow!! This poem really works. The longing and lament come through with these phrases: “canticle of names,” “sewing my fingers tired,” and “(my big body shrugs into its winding shroud).” Especially the parenthetical phrase!
Thank you, Ellen! I keep returning to these themes for some reason 😅
Your title caught me. Your lines held me.
Favorite line: I have grown tired of sewing my fingers tired
Thank you, Pam. That was the one I was worried most about!
Well done!
Thank you, Linda!
Effective repetition. Haunting, and so full of yearning.
Thanks, Karen. I really appreciate the feedback and kind words
Love the sentiment. Evolution, yes?
Hopefully!