Repentance Is Quite Different from Regret

October 2, 2019

Dear Subscriber:

Each week we examine a theme from a variety of points of view. The theme for this week is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which began this year at sunset on Sept. 29 and ended yesterday evening.

I welcome comments on my poems at http://nicholasgordon.blogspot.com .

A poem for Rosh Hashanah about the distinction between repentance and regret:

Repentance is quite different from regret.

One can feel regret for many years,

Self-castigating to familiar tears,

Having just the grace not to forget.

However, to repent must mean to change.

After the regret must come the will,

So resolute it conquers every hill,

However much one would reduce its range.

Actions only can forgiveness gain.

No thought alone can treat the inner wound

And save the soul that would remain entombed,

Held hostage by its fear of healing pain.

© by Nicholas Gordon

If you enjoyed this poem, please like, comment on, or share it so that it might be seen and enjoyed by others. To see this poem on my site, go to https://www.poemsforfree.com/repent.html. For more poems for the Jewish High Holy Days, go to https://www.poemsforfree.com/yomkippurpoems.html .

This week’s theme: Rosh Hashanah

9/30: Reason Says, of Course, that There’s No Book

10/1: Remember as You Scour Your Soul for Sin

10/2: Repentance Is Quite Different from Regret