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Could have, Would have, Should have...

I could have done things different
I would have, had I known
I should have thought to think
I'm thinking with a groan

Could have is just a thought
that I would have done it better
I should have done it different
and I wouldn't wonder whether

But, could have, would have, and should have
doesn't really matter now
It's all in the past, I get it
Thinking ahead is my new vow

Next time, I'll try to think more clearly
I'll ask myself if I should
I wonder what would happen
if next time, I think I could...

Style / type: 
Structured: Western
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Review Request (Direction): 
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
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Comments

The below is a computer generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:

/5

The poem "Could have, would have, should have..." is a brief yet powerful reflection on the regrets of the past and the importance of learning from them. The speaker acknowledges that there were missed opportunities and mistakes made, but also recognizes that dwelling on them is futile. The poem's message is clear: instead of focusing on what could have been, it's better to channel that energy into thinking ahead and making better decisions in the future.

One suggested line edit would be to change "I'm thinking with a groan" to "I groan as I think," as it flows better with the rest of the poem's structure.

Overall, the poem is well-written and relatable. It effectively captures the feeling of regret and the desire to improve oneself. The simple language and structure make it easy to understand, while the message is universally applicable. It's a great reminder to focus on the present and make the most of what's ahead.

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I have spent much time looking at the past and what I would've should've could've done differently...all we can do is learn from and move forward as best we can. Well done on a self reflective piece.

~RoseBlack~

but I feel like I'm a slow learner. It's taken me almost seventy-five years to get where I am today. I feel like I'm a bit more serious in most of all my responses, 'cept the ones that hit my "hot" buttons. LoL My guess is that we all have them, it's just that certain people have different buttons, and they haven't been pushed yet! No matter, my goal is not to push them anyway.
It just happens! Anyway, thanks for the read and comment. ~ Geez.
.

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author comment

I feel ya, right there with ya! I think when caught in the element of surprise and a person has to react quickly, we don't have time to think what is the best response. it is later that we regret our actions and can think of a better way.

I like your title. and the poem itself is brilliant. my favorite lines are:

Could have is just a thought
that I would have done it better
I should have done it different
and I wouldn't have to wonder whether

*love & hugs, (the) Cat

*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.

This one just kind of came out of nowhere, and pretty much, wrote itself, the only part that had me stuck, is the last of your favorite lines. I was just not sure of the [and], but after reading it aloud [more than a few times], I realized that it would destroy the rhythm of the line to remove it. Thanks for your special read and comment. ~ Geez.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

It occurred to me that the line could be: "and I wouldn't wonder whether...". That seems, at least to me, to fit the rhythm a bit better. Just a thought, though.

Thanx,
Steve

You are right. Thank you for your suggestion. ~ Geezer.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

The self reflective poem is a rod slams on the swamp. It's a pointer to everyone grievous actions. We only grieved after our conscience.

Thanks for reminding me my mistakes!

"Words are currency of ideas and have the power to change world. Ride your pen on the rough road."

Boy, do I get this one! There are so many things that I've done that I regret. Your first verse so clearly states what runs through my head when I see the end result of my actions. It is such a sinking feeling. At that point, "thinking ahead is my new vow" seems almost impossible. As I've gotten older, it has become easier to accept my mistakes and try to learn something from them. However, I still get that initial "groan" when I discover a new FUBAR.

I really like this poem. It flows well and keeps pulling the reader further into it. And it comes to the same conclusion that, next time, I hope I do better.

Congrats on an excellent poem.

Thanx,
Steve

We all ruminate over that spilled milk. It’s useless and we all know it. Now we can’t escape accountability for mistakes but there’s always something to be learned from them. We can’t learn the lessons through the fog of self loathing or regret so…you just do the next “right” thing.

Tim

And even though... it will be the right thing to do, we will still sometimes have trouble doing it the right way. ~ Geez.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment

seems like I am a bit late to the party.
Just wanted to say I've been here and read you.
Thank you for sharing!

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words
........Robert Frost☺

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No matter how late you are, your read and comments/critique are always welcome. I look forward to seeing what you think as much as anyone here. ~ Geez.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

author comment
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