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Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve
Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve
Written by Kelly Ann Wilson
I would’ve worn the white dress
I had it right there in my closet,
The one I used to play pretend in
As a child.
I could’ve had a daughter
But her dad couldn’t stay sober.
Now, the only place we see him
Is our dreams.
I should’ve been a teacher.
I’ve always been the most curious creature.
Maybe I’d’ve done something that meant something
With my days.
It’s hard to be here right now
Where I can’t drown out the sound,
As the would’ve, could’ve, should’ves
Take all of the strength out of me.
Written August 23, 2024
© 2024 Kelly Ann Wilson
About This Poem
Last Few Words: Read my writer’s blog at https://kwilsonarts.wordpress.com
Style/Type: Free verse
Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft
Comments
Candlewitch
10 months 1 week ago
Dear Kelly Ann
Regrets are a fact of life. We try to have as few as possible. I much liked your poem stating yours. My favorite lines are:
I should’ve been a teacher.
I’ve always been the most curious creature.
Maybe I’d’ve done something that meant something
With my days.
Good work, *hugs, Cat
captain 2
10 months 1 week ago
Hello
Kelly Ann,
I know the feeling!
What I like the most about the poem, is how you provide very specific images - the white dress, the drunk father, being a teacher - but there is room to fill in the gaps. My imagination is working. I am especially curious about the line -- I could have had a daughter, as if she doesn't exist, but then you talk as if she does - we only see him in our dreams. As if you and her both are sort of imaginary lifeforms. As if you would rather be with her - the daughter that doesn't exist, living in another world together with her. You'd rather be there, playing pretend again like when you were a child. It feels that way when I read this. Very powerful.
Geezer
10 months 1 week ago
I must admit...
that I was confused as to why you refer to the daughter as being [could've], and then as the Captain says, as being a reality.
Maybe just the way you said it, but I think you can do better at explaining it. A pensive look at a few regrets. ~ Geez.
.