Never Dally in the Field of Vain Regret - A Poem

Inspiration comes from many different places and can take a variety of forms. I can usually write about almost anything but find choosing the subject the difficult part.

I was having trouble thinking of a topic for a new article, so I asked my wife could she think of a subject I could write about. She thought for a moment, then pointed to a stitchery wall hanging that she had made and suggested I write a poem on whatever was written on it.

The stitchery is of a little house on a hill surrounded by flowers and hearts with the words, "Never Dally In The Field Of Vain Regret," across the top.

Below is the poem it inspired.

We often look back with regret

At things we ne'er achieved.

The personal reward or praise

Sought, but not received.

If you could have your time again

Would you change decisions made,

Choose a different path in life,

A career more highly paid?

Are you jealous of a friend

Who travelled around the world,

Then made a fortune trading shares

While your dreams stayed unfurled?

Try not to think what may have been,

To dwell on what is past.

Do the best with what you have,

Because life speeds by too fast.

Maybe you lost the one you loved

And suffered deep heartache.

But don’t regret it, just move on,

We must learn to give and take.

If you have health, embrace it,

You'll miss it when it's gone.

Make the most of every day,

Don't say, "I wish I'd done..."

All of us have talents

That others often crave.

Develop every skill you have,

Be stoic, strong, and brave.

God has a special path for you

That you may not realise yet.

So be happy, never dally

In the field of vain regret.