I’m tired of my regrets

rattling their chains around mockingly

People who never said goodbye

and things I could have done better

 

Like gaudy pieces of costume jewelry

the laments hang around my neck

baubles with no value I can see

 

The fake diamonds sparkle too

Drawing my attention away

as they seek to cause a distraction

from an elusive calmness

 

If I leave the bandages in place

firmly affixed as they are,

to cover the guilt and remorse

in all their varied colors,

the blue, the red, and the black,

I know I would fool some

but not those I call friend