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Poem by Robert William Service


Regret


It's not for laws I've broken
That bitter tears I've wept,
But solemn vows I've spoken
And promises unkept;
It's not for sins committed
My heart is full of rue,
but gentle acts omitted,
Kind deeds I did not do.

I have outlived the blindness,
The selfishness of youth;
The canker of unkindness,
The cruelty of truth;
The searing hurt of rudeness...
By mercies great and small,
I've come to reckon goodness
The greatest gift of all.

Let us be helpful ever
to those who are in need,
And each new day endeavour
To do some gentle deed;
For faults beyond our grieving,
What kindliness atone;
On earth by love achieving
A Heaven of our own.



Robert William Service


Robert William Service's other poems:
  1. Highland Hospitality
  2. Violet de Vere
  3. L'Envoi (I guess this is the final score)
  4. Afternoon Tea
  5. New Year's Eve


Poems of the other poets with the same name:

  • Jean Ingelow Regret ("O that word REGRET!")
  • Charlotte Bront¸ Regret ("Long ago I wished to leave")

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