This piece of confessional poetry is my poor attempt at illustrating the conflict between guilt and regret. Sorry, I'm not going to divulge any dirty secrets, but it should suffice to say this poem is true.

Robert Lee Frazier lives in Hagerstown Maryland, with his wife, four children, two in-laws and a set of lazy pugs. Robert is currently working on his first novel.

My father would say
"Be careful."
I would think
He doesn't understand.
I should have said
"Papa, you taught me to ride.
I'll be all right."

I turned 18 and joined the army
My mother cried
"Be safe."
I would say
"Stop worrying."
I should have said
"Mama, you showed me how to be brave.
I'll be fine."

When I turned 29 I finally married my best friend
Her mother said
"It's about time."
I just smiles
But I should have said
"Ya damned right."