Now I sit inside heated regret
what I wish I would have said
rapid words that flew off my tongue
like butterflies leaving my mouth
beautiful at first sight, fluttering
toward you. With closer inspection
upon landing, were really illegal
firecrackers of burnt red destruction
flames that left you singed speechless
while I coughed on my smoking impulsivity.
© Ali Grimshaw 2018
Rewrite of a poem from 2017
Wow, this is powerful and so succinct––goes right to the core of the experience of regret. Love the butterfly analogy that turns into something different. e.g., “With closer inspection upon landing, were really illegal firecrackers of burnt red destruction”
One line can be more poignant than a thousand words. Thank you!! Blessings to you Ali and all who read this.
Love and Light,
Debbie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Debbie,
Thank you for seeing the value in a few words carefully chosen. I think this poem resonates with many because we all say things that we wish we wouldn’t have. Communication is such a challenge for us humans.
Wishing you a beautiful day of wellness.
Ali
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brought a smile to my lips Nice work. Nice thoughts. If you have time check out my poem here Here
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the compliment. I will take a look at your words.
LikeLike
Hey that’s a wonderful poem! Make sure to give me a like back. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
You eloquently described such a common occurrence. I try to repeat chakra mantras each morning and the fifth chakra’s mantra for me is to speak honestly from my perspective with compassion and respect. In an altercation, I do pretty well with the honesty part but have a long way to go with the compassion and respect part. Your poem is another good reminder to pause before speaking.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you LuAnne. I can tell that your are committed to living with intention.
This poem is a reflection of the challenges of communication between people. No matter how hard we try sometimes what we send doesn’t land the way we sent it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great description of the times we speak words in haste that are better left unsaid. I know I’ve done it more than once….
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Ann. So many have chimed about this poem and how relatable it is. So we aren’t the only ones.
Have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
heated regret and smoking impulsivity bookend this poem so well, sometimes silence is the best coolant, really enjoyed reading this Ali
LikeLiked by 2 people
Gina, I appreciate your feedback. Thanks for taking the time to let me know your thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
LikeLike
Wow, Ali !! This is such a super poem and has such insight and truth about words spoken – like the old saying “you can’t unring a bell” You can add this to your “Best of Ali” poem list!!
Bellissimo, Ali, Bellissimo!!!
xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the rave review. Glad to hear you liked this one. Thanks for sharing too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!!
xoxoxo
LikeLike
Nice description of regret and those words like butterflies.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Frank. I appreciate the feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I can feel this deeply… words turning into firecrackers… I think sometimes fights starts from tiny little things… reminds me of the butterfly effect… in the end they will be moths consumed by flames.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Bjorn, I appreciate your reflection. Sometimes our intention does not match the words that come out of our mouths. Communication has always been a topic that fascinates me. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Wow how brilliantly beautiful! I could instantly think of times I regret for what came out of my mouth. Your picture, words and metaphors are so perfect here.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I appreciate your specific feedback. Thank you so much. I enjoy your writing every time I visit your blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome. I truly admire your poetry 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your appreciation. Have a wonderful weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vivid imagery!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I suspect most of us can relate to this well-expressed, fiery poem. Thank you
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for reading Victoria.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So tragically human…who can tame the tongue?
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yep. We all stumble on it at some point.
LikeLike
I’m very familiar with that cough.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Colleen, thanks for letting me know I am not alone in this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome Ali.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful imagery, Ali! Thanks so much for sharing with us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jill, I am glad to hear you enjoyed this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like how the words started out as butterflies and were realized to be like illegal firecrackers…sometimes our intentions (or what we thought they were) come out so badly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Janice, I appreciate your reflection. Sometimes I still put my foot in my mouth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess it’s a hazard of speaking 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice work! Love your imagery. Destructive flaming words and smoking impulsivity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your reflection. Much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The fire of our words can certainly destroy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes indeed. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
Such a passionate poem and one that is so relatable. Well done!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the compliment. Much appreciated.
LikeLike
You are welcome! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous image and poignant words.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. I took the photo last year on a walk in the neighborhood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s wonderful to find treasures where we are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, how I relate to this poem. I have spoken so many times when I should have held my tongue. I have spoken unnecessarily harsh words when I should have been more considerate. Beautifully written!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Laurie, thanks for letting me know you can relate. I think we have all been in a situation where we wish that we could take our words back. Part of being human is making mistakes and learning from them.
LikeLiked by 1 person