Regret: a poem

Poem by Christina O’Donnell. Photo by Angie Lipscomb.

Hello, old friend.  

It's been quite a while.

I’ve almost forgotten my love for you,

And that’s certainly not my style.

I saw you far in the distance 

And knew that the time was ripe

To sit down and fight the resistance

That bites at me as I try to type.

I almost let you go, let you flutter and flop

But I know something in my heart 

Is telling me “oh please don’t stop.”

There’s something quite special

About the way you make me feel.

There’s something even greater

In your one-of-a-kind appeal.

Oh hello, old friend.

I just didn’t quite know,

How deeply you’d been buried 

Under the cold and frosty snow.

It's funny to think that with just one little thought,

I’d remember your importance

And all the joy that you brought

I’m overjoyed to have discovered you

As much as one could be,

I can’t wait for this renewed friendship

Like with a boy and his old tree.

Old friend, don’t leave me,

Stay as long as you can.

I don’t want to forget you.

Please stay

And hold my hand.