Veto

Many of us have experienced buyer’s remorse, the feeling of sorrow after having bought something rashly. But I think there also exists a type of remorse over missed opportunities, over roads not taken. I recently made a responsible, reasoned decision. And almost immediately, I found myself full of regrets, for downplaying the romantic, impulsive side of me, that might have chosen otherwise.

But since it is always easier to blame others for our own bad feelings, here is the poem that resulted. In my case, it describes the phenomenon of subjecting your artistic or aesthetic sensibilities to mundane practical concerns. But read another way, it could apply to more sinister situations, such as being gaslighted. Thanks for coming by to read!

In the old green house

On the river road,

I stood, and unburdened

A heavy load,

And could see my wishes

And dreams come true,

Until they were vetoed by you.

In the massive manor

And grand estate,

I came to the end

Of an endless wait,

And envisioned the

Parties and points of view,

Before they were silenced by you.

And the breadth of the porch

As it wrapped around,

And the river nearby

With its lapping sound,

And the haint blue ceiling

And stained glass, too,

Were brilliant, till shattered by you.

And your common sense,

And your bank account,

And retirement woes

Made a crushing sound

As they bound me tight,

And the miser in you

Decided to veto me too.

Copyright 2022 Andrea LeDew

For a poem criticizing leadership that disregards common sense, read Frat Boy. For a poem on the events of January 6, 2021, nearly a year ago, read Great Patriots.