Circles break and squares loosen up.
Stars fade and stripes get spotty.
Yin is black; yang is white,
yet much in between is grey.
Dear Abby, Savage Love, I’m not.
I have neither perspicacity nor panache
pouring forth in an effortless way.
Any hint of wisdom that’s stuck
comes from the fine art of
regretting.
+++++++++++++++++++
I’ve been reading poetry by a very interesting Jesuit priest whom I knew for much of my adult life. I perceived him as an intimidatingly professorial scholar with a microscopic sense of humor. He was always around. I took him for granted. He passed away before I had any interest in reading his writings. Now, I find myself repeatedly reaching for his books, re-reading pages and verses, smiling at his wit, and being moved to tears by his honesty. I regret missing the boat on discussing his words, his thoughts, his life. I regret not being able to tell him how much I love his work. The piece I wrote above is what I imagine his response would’ve been if I’d asked him to define wisdom.
+++++++++++++++++++
In 55 words, this is for Melissa’s Six Word Friday topic: wisdom.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful, Belinda. I understand your regret , what a gift to have his work left behind so you can study it now.
Thanks, Ayala.
Sorry that Blogger is down — was looking forward to reading your six word post.
yeah. this hits straight home today.
fabulous as always, Belinda
Thanks Brook. Be well.
The fine art of regretting.
I should be a master, were there an award for such things.
Yeah, TKW. I could probably teach a course on it myself.
There is indeed much gray in between! I enjoyed reading the poem even more the second time, after learning about the priest. Knowing it was your imaginings of his response, really brought it to life!
I know for many the word regret is verboten but I hope I’ve conveyed here that it can be made peace with, as Vernon showed in his life full of friends, love and wisdom.
Oh, Belinda — how awesome you met him!
And the beauty part is you get to share your amazing heart and soul with us, there will be no regret there.
And guess what? My current post has YOU in it!!! I kid thee not — thanks for the inspiration.
xoxo
Jannie, you always make me smile!
What a wonderful tribute to him. I like how you painted regret in a more peaceful and loving way. There is an awareness that comes from regret. And hopefully there are lessons learned from experiencing it.
LOVE the last stanza. I am doing my best these days to live with no regrets!
Hi Belinda,
What are you regretting…that’s between the gray? Fun post,
Cheers,
Shanae
My Blog
I have much practice with regretting, myself. Not sure I learn nearly enough from those regrets…
That last stanza is heart-breaking and beautiful. While I’m sorry you didn’t discover his wisdom and writing before he passed away, I’m so glad that you have that wisdom and writing to explore and enjoy now.
I hope you have a fabulous weekend with the trees, Belinda!
“The fine art of regretting.” Paired with wisdom. Perfect, Belinda. Because it truly is an art to accept that we will feel regret and may grow wiser because of that. Your story reminded me, too, of a person I was close to but I wasn’t paying attention when they were near the end of their life. That’s hard.
I love this poem so much. Simple, short but very rich. I learnt some new words as well.
Have a great week!
You write very well, Belinda!
I guess the halfway point is in that elusive brief wisp of an area between potential and has-been
Belinda,
I got a good laugh at the wisdom of the final stanza of this excellent poem. In my beliefs, your priest friends knows very well that you are now reading and enjoying his writings.
I bet he’s smiling from where he is at the wonderful wit of this very poem:~)