
What haunts us most
is not what we did,
but what we did not dare:
the words we swallowed,
the moments we let pass
while waiting to become braver.
Regret grows in the space
where courage hesitates,
nurtured by the notion
there will be more time,
more chances, another moment
to choose differently.
But moments rarely announce
they are leaving.
They drift beyond reach
and we are left
to account for the cost
of what we asked ourselves
to wait for.
Regret is not a punishment,
but a reminder to see the door
while it is still open,
to step forward,
to act, to speak, to listen,
to trust that what we give now
will be enough…
So that once the door closes,
it closes gently
on a life already at peace.
- Photo taken in Lacock Village, UK
- Written for the prompt: Thursday Doors


Wise words.
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And beautiful photo.
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One of my favorites!
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I appreciate that!
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Beautiful photo and such profound words. That is so true and makes me think of Lewis Carroll’s quote – In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. Fear and hesitation often prevent us from pursuing what we truly want. I, for one, regret my own inaction more than mistakes. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day š Aiva xx
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Thank you so much, and sharing was my pleasure! Take care, Aiva.
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š„°š„°š„°
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That’s a beautiful photo and you paired it with some lovely, moving words. Very nicely done.
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The door photo sparks a favorite memory for me, so it deserved a few words. Thanks so much for your comment!
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love that door!
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Me too! Thanks so much!
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lovely door and a nice poem
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Thank you for the kind comment!
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Can’t decide if I enjoyed the photo or the poem more, so I’ll take both. Love how the vine marches up the wall to the window. Love how the poem ends with something of a silver lining.
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Thank you so much! I love that you noticed the vine, and Iām glad the end of the poem landed the way it did.
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Profound wisdom in your beautiful poem. Equally excellent photo. Well done!
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Thank you so much! One seemed to fit nicely with the other!
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What a beautiful photo and inspiring words!
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I’m grateful you like them!
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