Not Ghosts

A Poem

We talk of ghosts, of being haunted, by those
we let go, or were simply afraid to engage with.
The ones left behind who, retrospectively,
would have changed our courses - immeasurably, spectacularly.

Sitting here in this poem we can all think of a few,
the people we knew, where a flirt or quick compliment
would have led somewhere new, maybe brilliant.
Of careers and adventures, of passions ablaze with ferocity.

But instead we took easier paths, those without jeopardy,
that kept us controlled, safe, but reeking of lethargy.
Of loneliness and desperation, misery, exasperation
with ourselves and our empty lives - we felt - in perpetuity.

Even though we made good, became whole, found success
these absences still haunt us, not ghosts, but regrets

All photos Lubitel 166b 2006