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

[Sami Khalil]

We all have those regrets in life as you marvelously state in a poetic form; you don't leave a stone unturned in your poetry. You are very thorough and wise.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami for the kindness in your review. Have a wonderful day.
You are appreciated.
Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Chris

[Ken Simm.]

Oh how I empathise with this. And so often do I wish this. Wonderful.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jen fir your visit. Pleased you enjoyed reading this poem. Have a good weekend.
read moreThank you Jen fir your visit. Pleased you enjoyed reading this poem. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

You are welcome but who is Jen? when she is at home.

[Chris Shaw]

Ha, forgive the typos KEN lol

[Ken Simm.]

Of course I will Trish. Smirk.

[DIVYA]

Dear Chris,
This poem has the strong and quiet pull of someone who is deeply spiritually aware of their love. It comes from a place of great self-searching, as if the author has reached a conclusion after a lifetime of silent struggle with the self. Yet, the outcome of it all is beautiful and convinces the reader that just in the admission of love, a lot has been accomplished. Love is always worth it, even for the briefest time on earth. Your poetry is so touching here. I am moved totally by your words.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Divya, thank you for those wonderful words of encouragement. Your reviews mean so much.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

so simple, but packed with the depth of understanding that only age can ever give us. You capture the introspection of regret perfectly Chris. Truly admire how you manage the brevity of what takes me voluminous stands of old-growth forests to say.

ken

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Ken for that lovely nod of appreciation. Hope your vacation is going well.

Chris

[Neville]

This is simply quite beautiful Chris and I am sure all those who have already visited and those who will inevitably follow me here will find it so .. and not just because it is so bloomin good, but because each one of them will feel the same regret .. I know I do .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville for your welcome and encouraging review. Pleased you like this one.

Chris

[Perdition]

Well, if you're going to wear anything on the night before the Harvest Moon ..might as well be rhyme. Beautiful. There is that same feeling of nostalgia..a love, a loss, the fragrance of time more behind us than in front but more than that what we didn't say or do comes to haunt and reminds us of so little time to waste on..? Just had a conversation with a friend of mine I've known since grade school and we were just two old belly bleeders talking tonight about a small town in Texas where we built this barn and walked past an angry fat dog to buy beer. We'd give a billion dollars to go back. You bleed well poet. As always and sorry for the ramble..kinda. Now go and write that letter! Smiles~

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit and your share. The letter alas, too late, he is no longer on this plane:) Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Perdition]

A tear and a hug. I would say to write the letter anyway …thinking poetry smoothly written as yours can be heard wherever. Sorry for the delay as up on the mountain and just got wifi but all the more beautiful…thanks for sharing and smiles!!

[Chris Shaw]

You are a smooth talker:)Your mountain must be a wonderful escape. Thank you again. Happy days:)

[Perdition]

Awww… shux… kicks at dirt with feet with hands in pockets:) Thanks Chris… hope that was meant as a compliment… never know. Mountain is a wonderful place and full of friends/animals. Smiles and Happy days to you as well!!

[Chris Shaw]

It was a kindness in return for the compliment you paid to me about my poetry:) Your mountain gifts to you, what the river and lakes gift to me. We are fortunate to have that:)

[Dave]

Chris --
How true, how true. The things we neglected to do. Simple things like saying "I love you."
On the other hand, I often ponder on those things that should never have been uttered. There are things and words that can never be brought back.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Dave for another visit and for you sharing your thoughts. You are appreciated. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

A friend of mine passed away yesterday, this poem speaks to me. Nothing can prepare us, but the best we can do is speak the truth. Great work

[Chris Shaw]

I am sorry for your loss John. Please accept my condolences. So pleased that my poem was able to speak to you. Take care.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

Thank you for your kind thoughts

[Dave Brown]

my wish, whether in que or not, is I wish I'd had spent more time with my father
a good man that a stupid teenager ognored too often

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Dave, thank you for sharing your thoughts. You are hard on yourself. I bet your Dad wouldn’t have been nearly so. I appreciate your visit. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

and you