In the quiet hours of dusk, when shadows whispered soft and low,
A task was handed down to me, a challenge I had yet to know.
“Go forth,” they said, “and do this deed. It’s yours to see it through.”
Yet there I stood, in silent thought, with time’s constraints and fear’s taboo.
I could’ve seized the moment then, with courage in my heart.
I would’ve woven wonders. I would’ve crafted art.
If only I should’ve braved the storm and dared to take the leap.
Instead, I watched the minutes fade, as dreams and doubts did steep.
I could’ve scaled the heights unknown and touched the stars above.
I would’ve danced with destiny, I would’ve cherished love.
If only I should’ve faced my fears and let my spirit soar.
Perhaps I’d find the strength within, to open every door.
I could’ve harnessed fire’s light and shaped it in my hands.
I would’ve spun a tale of hope on life’s vast shifting sands.
If only I should’ve walked that road, and left regret behind,
I’d find the peace in knowing, that life is undefined.
Now here I sit in quiet thought with lessons carved in time.
I could’ve chased the fleeting dream. I would’ve made it mine.
If only I should’ve held the pen and wrote my story clear.
Instead, I linger in the past where “if onlys” reappear.
But life is not a tale of woe nor chains that bind my soul,
For in each moment, I can still play my role.
I could’ve, would’ve, should’ve learned that time is always new.
And every task and every dream begins with what I do.
So let me rise with strength reborn and cast aside my fear.
I will embrace the tasks at hand, with a purpose that is strong and clear.
For in the echoes of the past, the future’s seeds are sown.
And in the journey here and now, true growth is always shown.
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Launched 10 days ago
I'm an eighty-year-old white man, married to my lovely wife for 56 wonderful years. I teach two Poetry and Creative Writing classes at the Senior Action Center in Greenville, SC.
Forecast is for more fog but the lighthouse is there...Very happy to hear your family were not victims in that latest tragedy...that very disturbing tragedy and a very sad and macabre start to the new year.
Great analogy, as usual, as well as a solid reminder we need to continually look for a lighthouse amongst all the news sources so we have safe sailings
Fog, IMHO, is an understatement. I feel like being in the middle of a forest fire, with no exit routes and being choked by the smoke. My sleep is erratic and restless at best. I just want to sleep until I can wake up from this nightmarish horror show.
I totally understand your angst.
It will be a tough future for America. I doubt I will survive it! I feel that stress is triple speeding my aging process...
Happy New Year to you, Verónica. Patience and resilience is required from us. Here is an observation from Jorge Drexler that has his signature rhythm that makes me want to dance, yet carries the clarity that this moment requires. Peace to you.
Best wishes to you. A perfect comparison. I have been in many a real fog, and sometimes you just have to stop and wait for clearing. I suspect many of us will be in a state of suspended animation a good deal of the time now. This year, and more to come, we will focus on our little pond of loved ones, and do all we can to support them. Like skipping stones, we are hoping that the love we give all we meet will create a larger circle.
POETRY AND PROSE: A CONUNDRUM
Would've, Could've, Should've
Pepper Miller
Jan 05, 2025
In the quiet hours of dusk, when shadows whispered soft and low,
A task was handed down to me, a challenge I had yet to know.
“Go forth,” they said, “and do this deed. It’s yours to see it through.”
Yet there I stood, in silent thought, with time’s constraints and fear’s taboo.
I could’ve seized the moment then, with courage in my heart.
I would’ve woven wonders. I would’ve crafted art.
If only I should’ve braved the storm and dared to take the leap.
Instead, I watched the minutes fade, as dreams and doubts did steep.
I could’ve scaled the heights unknown and touched the stars above.
I would’ve danced with destiny, I would’ve cherished love.
If only I should’ve faced my fears and let my spirit soar.
Perhaps I’d find the strength within, to open every door.
I could’ve harnessed fire’s light and shaped it in my hands.
I would’ve spun a tale of hope on life’s vast shifting sands.
If only I should’ve walked that road, and left regret behind,
I’d find the peace in knowing, that life is undefined.
Now here I sit in quiet thought with lessons carved in time.
I could’ve chased the fleeting dream. I would’ve made it mine.
If only I should’ve held the pen and wrote my story clear.
Instead, I linger in the past where “if onlys” reappear.
But life is not a tale of woe nor chains that bind my soul,
For in each moment, I can still play my role.
I could’ve, would’ve, should’ve learned that time is always new.
And every task and every dream begins with what I do.
So let me rise with strength reborn and cast aside my fear.
I will embrace the tasks at hand, with a purpose that is strong and clear.
For in the echoes of the past, the future’s seeds are sown.
And in the journey here and now, true growth is always shown.
Subscribe to Pepper Miller
Launched 10 days ago
I'm an eighty-year-old white man, married to my lovely wife for 56 wonderful years. I teach two Poetry and Creative Writing classes at the Senior Action Center in Greenville, SC.
Thank you, Pepper. The poem captures much beauty, wisdom, truth.
Forecast is for more fog but the lighthouse is there...Very happy to hear your family were not victims in that latest tragedy...that very disturbing tragedy and a very sad and macabre start to the new year.
Thank you for your kindness and support.
Great analogy, as usual, as well as a solid reminder we need to continually look for a lighthouse amongst all the news sources so we have safe sailings
Thanks for your comment and support, Scott.
Happy New year, Manuel, for you and yours.
Fog, IMHO, is an understatement. I feel like being in the middle of a forest fire, with no exit routes and being choked by the smoke. My sleep is erratic and restless at best. I just want to sleep until I can wake up from this nightmarish horror show.
I totally understand your angst.
It will be a tough future for America. I doubt I will survive it! I feel that stress is triple speeding my aging process...
Happy New Year to you, Verónica. Patience and resilience is required from us. Here is an observation from Jorge Drexler that has his signature rhythm that makes me want to dance, yet carries the clarity that this moment requires. Peace to you.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NxRACMxr3-c&list=OLAK5uy_miBlW7zfUZGv5U3DDghwHa1yJIpqh8fpw&index=8&pp=8AUB
Best wishes to you. A perfect comparison. I have been in many a real fog, and sometimes you just have to stop and wait for clearing. I suspect many of us will be in a state of suspended animation a good deal of the time now. This year, and more to come, we will focus on our little pond of loved ones, and do all we can to support them. Like skipping stones, we are hoping that the love we give all we meet will create a larger circle.
You filled in the details wonderfully, Colleen. Thanks for your support.