I’m tired of my regrets
rattling their chains around mockingly
People who never said goodbye
and things I could have done better

Like gaudy pieces of costume jewelry
the laments hang around my neck
baubles with no value I can see

The fake diamonds sparkle too
Drawing my attention away
as they seek to cause a distraction
from an elusive calmness

If I leave the bandages in place
firmly affixed as they are,
to cover the guilt and remorse
in all their varied hues,
the blue, the red, and the black,
I know I would fool some
but not those I call friend