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

[FGFRANKLIN]

This was fine to read this morning. There are lots of things we wish we had said after the fact. Maybe there are just as many we wish we hadn't said; impatient dismissals, abrupt or angry expletives or careless things indifferent to the feelings of others. I like the poem because it makes the reader stop and consider and invokes empathy. On a technical note, I would like to see the tense match in the next to final line, either, "I've always shone" or "I always shine". I enjoyed the read. F.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian for your thoughtful review, especially for your technical advice. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Whits_End]

I love this. Happy to be one of your new fans. My father-in-law passed away in July, and I think the grieving process has helped me feel more alive in some ways and to say things that shouldn't remain unsaid.

[Chris Shaw]

A warm welcome to you. Pleased this poem meant something to you and also to have you stop by. Looking forward to reading more of your work.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Yes life is fragile more than ever now
Here today gone tomorrow
We need to say what’s important today to our loved ones
Great write and message Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie. Life is certainly fragile. Moreso than ever. Pleased you stopped by. Keep well. read moreThank you Julie. Life is certainly fragile. Moreso than ever. Pleased you stopped by. Keep well.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

You are welcome 🙏

[Patricia Wedel]

A Heart full of sentimental journeys... the music and poems we shared...
I will tattoo for all Eternity for you... the flowers and hours will be always on my mind. Lovely poem dear Chris... it stirs the Soul and makes us whole once again. softly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat for your lovely poetic review. So pleased you enjoyed this poem. Happy Halloween. Can’t believe tomorrow we will be in the month of November. Take care.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

At times I think about what should be said and never seems to be spoken. Like the time my Mother passed and there were just no words that could be uttered. Later on I had a dream, she came to me and held me close with no words again spoken. Yet there was love and all was understood. I love your poem, it seemed to bring these words out of me. Nicely expressed ;-} Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Chris Shaw]

I am touched by your share Weeping willow and that my poem meant something to you. It was wonderful that your mother connected to you in a dream. I can imagine just how much that lifted you. Have a happy Tuesday.

Chris

[Weeping willow]

Was a wonderful moment and thank you Chris for sharing you nice words ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

You are more than welcome :)

[Gee]

Hi Christine. I believe all that read this will relate but will still make the same mistakes in later life.
Hope all is well in Berks...get yer brolly out:))

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee. Yes, regrets. Most of us have a few. All good here. Rain has stopped for a few hours. Hope life is being kind to you and yours. All the best.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Long live Chris's torch 🔦

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my kind friend :)

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome 😊

[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