My Poem, ‘Regrets’

~ Libby Sommer

Have a read of my poem, ‘Regrets’ first published in Quadrant Magazine. ‘Regrets’ is one of the poems in my recently published second poetry collection, ‘Flat White, One Sugar’ (Gininnderra Press).

I hope you enjoy it.

Regrets:

Driving through the streets of the city

on a Sunday, we’re talking about

our crazy mistakes, the men we separated from,

the ex-husbands who remarried and married again,

those we shouldn’t have let go.

‘Yes, it’s hard having no-one to turn to,’ you say,

reversing into a “no stopping” space.

The signpost doesn’t mention Sundays.

You turn the ignition off

and cover your face with your hands.

‘I’m so hopeless at parking,’ you cry. ‘He used to tell me

we’d need to catch a cab to the kerb.’

I laugh and pat your shoulder.

‘It’s fine,’ I say. ‘You’re sticking out a bit in front,

but you can try again … or not. Nothing’s perfect.’

My words surprise me,

rising above the rush of traffic,

a sweet fortune cookie prediction,

forgive yourself,

you did your best.

Copyright 2024 Libby Sommer

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

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