The Paper Sailboat

Regret has many meanings, and this time I feel it strong 

For "love" can be the right word, and yet so very wrong. 

I've kept all boats tethered, left none to sail away 

Kept all the little memories, for when the world turns gray. 

I'd have loved to know him better, but we never got the time

So when I walk by him I take a snapshot of his smile in my mind.

I thought I saw a spark, a glimmer in his eye

But it could have been a false light that led my thoughts awry.

The time we spent was short; all chance has passed me by

I've written him this modern sonnet; I'm awaiting no reply. 

So when I tell him, when he leaves, I bear my dignity. 

If he didn't know, I pity him, and if he did, I pity me. 

This dramatic declaration reflects things that did impede

Because "love" is the shortest poem ever written, and the one that takes the longest to read.