The Holes of my Life

My heart, my soul carry

Freshly made echoes of holes

From all the missing pieces

Of life’s dreams and goals.

Diverse people not encountered,

Near and distant places unseen,

Divine music not heard,

Uncrossed moors of grassy green.

Pieces of art not painted

Or seen in wondrous display,

Stories not penned

In creative moments at play.

Animals not cherished

Nor kept safe from all harm,

There’s an abundance of creatures

Unloved in the circle of my arms.

So many faltered to slip away

Leaving missed chances at love;

Possibilities I hoped would return

One day on the wind like a dove.

Ships I’ve not sailed

All around the fair world

Planes I’ve not taken

When opportunities unfurled.

Words spoken on impulse

Or in a fit of pure anger;

Worse yet, words left unspoken

Due to moments of languor.

Caresses not extended,

Delightful kisses not given,

Cherished moments of intimacy

Left withering cannot be forgiven.

Holes as big as the moon,

Regrets tenfold, yes, I have aplenty

While I move through this life

In pursuit of so much and so many.

It’s so difficult to say

If all the holes in my soul -

Much like a blanket that’s worn

An ancient and damaged scroll,

Or a bug riddled leaf found

On atop a large, grassy knoll -

Will ever be filled with what’s needed

To solidify it, thereby making me whole.