Original DDE™ art: “If Only” by: rob kistner © 1/13/26
—-<§>—-
regret is the echo that lingers
after a door has closed
not loud
just persistent
a thin whistle of chill wind
through memory’s cracks
it does not accuse
only reminds
replaying moments
revised too late
regret gathers in silences
where words waited unsaid
in courage folded untouched
stored away unused
it settles into storms
mistaken for only weather
into seasons endured
not knowing their duration
yet regret shapes awareness
reveals the outline of choice
it proves something mattered
that a crossroads once held weight
without regret
movement would be reckless
ill considered
steps unmeasured
never a sense
of the true cost
of turning away
<~>
rob kistner © 1/13/26
Original DDE™ art: “I Messed Up” by: rob kistner © 1/13/26