A short span of happiness.
I reach out and touch a memory— a glimpse from another time
of a life that might once have been.
Wrapped in a cocoon, I never
saw the pain in your voice or
the shadows dancing in your eyes.
In despair, you gathered
all from a life I wrecked
then vanished into the arms
of a sad December night.
Now, mauled by regrets,
I wait to hear your footsteps outside
and your voice knocking on my door.
Part of the Old Stories cycle of poems
A few words about the poem…
Reflections on Regret and Longing | Melancholy Poems
In A Wrecked Life from the series Melancholy Poems, the poet reflects upon the consequences of his actions on the life of another, leading to profound regret and longing for what could have been. The brevity of happiness emphasized in the opening line sets the tone for introspection and sorrow that permeates the poem.
The imagery of reaching out to touch a memory, coupled with the mention of "a glimpse from another time," evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past that now seems out of reach. This nostalgia is tinged with regret as the speaker realizes the impact of their actions.
Using a metaphor, such as being "wrapped in a cocoon," suggests a state of emotional isolation or ignorance, wherein the speaker fails to recognize the pain and suffering of the person he affected. It is highlighted further by the sentence of not seeing "the pain in your voice" or "the shadows dancing in your eyes."
The despair and sorrow of the affected individual are palpable as she "gathered all from a life I wrecked" and ultimately disappeared into the solitude of a "sad December night." The mention of December adds to the melancholy atmosphere, symbolizing an ending or closure tinged with sadness.
The portrayal of the poet waiting "mauled by regrets" conveys the weight of remorse and the longing for reconciliation. The imagery of waiting to hear footsteps and a voice knocking on the door underscores the desire for redemption and the possibility of reconnecting with the person they wronged.
Overall, "A Wrecked Life" explores the themes of regret, nostalgia, and the consequences of actions. Through evocative imagery and poignant reflection, the poet invites readers to contemplate the fragility of happiness and the enduring impact of past mistakes.
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