Things I Wish I’d Said

Muse is wearing rhyme

in the quiet hours of pre-dawn
in this sleepless drowsy state
i’m reflecting as I’m prone to
yet I know it’s far too late

to ponder on what’s been and gone
and wish I’d done it better
what wasn’t said with my own voice
i should have sent by letter

nothing can prepare us for
the finality of death
how important that these things are known
before the final breath

so today I wish to speak out loud
sincerely and it’s true
i always shone my torch for you
while standing in the queue

Reviews

[Zoe Richardson]

Oh, wow! This poem packs such a punch. Most of my poems have been for my late spouse, who would not listen to me before he passed away. I've also written volumes about those whom I've had to leave behind during one of my many relocations, including a poem entitled "Words Unsaid." I don't know why we feel compelled to say things we know people will not hear. I consider my words a prayer of sorts. Even if that person cannot hear me, somewhere down the line I gain an understanding of why things happened as they did. I hope this for you, as well. While closure is a myth, you can learn to move on.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Zoe for sharing your thoughts here. You are much appreciated.

Chris

[red93]

'And all the things we've left unsaid'. Like the white spaces around the best haiku. Sometimes Chris, less really is more. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughts here Tony are very much appreciated. Love what you have said.

Chris

[red93]

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[carl]

looking over the shoulder at could have, would have, should have if it doesn't bring a resolution hopefully brings a resolve to watch more carefully what is coming down the line in the present moment - One of These Days by Neil Young first stanza always make me say - Yeah I'm gonna do that - but to date I have not. Your words come loud and clear and I really like the rhyme scheme in this one. I get stuck on the ABAB too often. -carl

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Carl. I’m going to look for One Of These Days by Neil Young. This is an old poem, I have dusted down and sent spinning again. Your thoughts and visit are appreciated. Have a great Wednesday.

Chris

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Though melancholy, you've given this such an ease in the rhyme scheme... you just slip into it without knowing. Well done here!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Travis. An old poem out for a breath of fresh air. It had been gathering dust. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Buddy Hayes]

Love the rhyme and the verse! So true! It seems the older I get, those early morning hours when the brain wakes up and reminds you of all things you should have said and done (and of the things you did and shouldn't have) seem more frequent. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your warm review. I appreciate your words and your visit. All the best.
read moreMany thanks for your warm review. I appreciate your words and your visit. All the best.

Chris

[Jimmy Crapped Corn]

Too sad for me to really ponder in my current state, but beautiful, writing

[Chris Shaw]

Dear DM, thank you and I hope sincerely your sadness lifts my friend. Take care of yourself.

Chris

[Chris]

I've read three this evening - of yours. I appreciate the thoughtful phrasing and the content. This one held me here.

[Chris Shaw]

Chris, I really appreciate your visits and am pleased that this poem encouraged you to leave a comment. Delighted you stopped by. Have a peaceful Wednesday.

Chris

[Julian]

Deeply moving, and an often sad truth that haunts some of us for decades after the event. And I will refrain from carrying on further lest I lapse into personal emoquagmire mode. But thank you for another of your splendid works!

[Chris Shaw]

You are so appreciative of my poetry. I thank you warmly Julian. Have a good Wednesday.

read moreYou are so appreciative of my poetry. I thank you warmly Julian. Have a good Wednesday.

Chris

[Starbaby]

This is lovely! Too many leave what needs saying unsaid and regret it bitterly after the fact. Sometimes there is no time for second chances. Alternatively, one could also write a poem about the things that were said but shouldn't have been.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Starbaby. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Have a great Wednesday.

Chris

[Kaylor Mason]

You only get one life--might as well make it count.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Kaylor. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit.

Chris