If Only

Always there was something to say A tidbit to share, or a deep new secret You didn’t want anyone else to hear Making excuses to be with each other Reminiscing millions of happy tales Celebrating graduations and birthdays Laughing innocently at purposeful silliness That found home in each other’s solace, Oblivious as things began to change When emotions flared every interplay And glance of your eyes became my stare And every little touch longed for more And dreaming of love became a passion, Oh! how I held you without consent Hugging and kissing without your knowledge As you occupied my sleepless nights Aching my soul in thoughts of romance Never telling you how deeply I felt, Yet, those feelings were eternally etched In rhythms of lyrics only lovers create Recalling you fondly in lifelong regret: If only I had courage to break my silence If only I had dared to pledge my heart If only I had divulged words to my song. October 25, 2020 If only you knew poetry contest Sponsor: Silent One

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Valsa George

Date: 4/8/2022 9:23:00 AM

Sometimes this happens ! The flames of passion we feel for another is kept hidden in our heart and is never exposed or expressed. The other person may not know it ! Finally we feel sad that we didn't divulge it earlier! Silence thus leads to great regrets ! Beautifully expressed, Vijay

Susan Lawrence

Date: 12/8/2020 6:45:00 PM

Vijay, So beautiful, poignant and viscerally sorrowful. I feel the weight of the timeline of your longing..your if only.... your desire. Thank you for sharing this intimate journey of your heart. Susan

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 11/20/2020 6:23:00 AM

This is a lovely heart chime poem, which rings true for many of us passenger-in- life romantics, Victor, I know it do for me. You captured a love loss in my life quite poignantly. Pristine poetry, my dear friend. Much love and best wishes for the holiday.

Akkina Downing

Date: 11/4/2020 4:10:00 PM

I’m 100% sure many of us repeat, IF ONLY... Lol! Beautiful piece, I enjoyed very much so :)

Chuck Melugin

Date: 10/31/2020 8:19:00 AM

VJ This song won you a trophy from my heart! Line by line! You write your fingers off in greatness!!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/30/2020 8:49:00 AM

this makes me wonder about the relationship and why things were held back. Deliciously described, Vijay, and congrats for your win.

Harry Horsman

Date: 10/29/2020 2:27:00 AM

wonderful winner. Vijay.

Angela Crabtree

Date: 10/27/2020 4:36:00 PM

Beautiful poem, Vijay. Your poetry is always full of emotion. Hope you have great night. :)

Paul Callus

Date: 10/27/2020 1:50:00 PM

Those "ifs" will probably forever haunt the mind, Vijay. Congratulations on your fine win. Regards // pau

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 3:27:00 PM

Thank you Paul--much appreciate. Regards.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/27/2020 8:52:00 AM

- Congratulations on your win, Vijay :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 12:45:00 PM

Much appreciate Anne-Lise--many thanks.

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 10/26/2020 8:56:00 PM

Unvoiced loving intent holding deep sentiment! Congrats!

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 12:44:00 PM

Many thanks--much appreciate.

Eve Roper

Date: 10/26/2020 8:36:00 PM

Love the third stanza my friend. Congratulations on your win! Hugs Eve

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 12:44:00 PM

Thank you Eve--much appreciate.

Mark Koplin

Date: 10/26/2020 5:25:00 PM

Congratulations on your win!

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 12:44:00 PM

Much appreciate Mark--many thanks.

Alexis Y.

Date: 10/26/2020 10:20:00 AM

WoW! Vijay, You described the feeling of not telling someone, how you really feel very well. I found your piece to be emotional and well written. Your last three lines were impactful . Excellent job my friend. Congratulations on your placement in the contest. Have a wonderful day:-) Alexis

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 12:43:00 PM

Much appreciate Alexis--many thanks.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 10/26/2020 9:32:00 AM

Hi Vijay, many times in my life , be it for whatever reason I have chastised myself for not telling people everything I knew, but it would mean hurting a good friend. She found out on her own he was having affairs behind her back - the marriage lasted two years. Hugs and blessings Jennifer. - great poem my friend and congratulations.

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 12:42:00 PM

Thank you Jennifer--much appreciate.

Silent One

Date: 10/26/2020 9:21:00 AM

Sometimes we never have the courage to say what we want to say... and we always think what if... Congratulations on your placement..

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 12:42:00 PM

Much appreciate, SO--many thanks.

Heidi Sands

Date: 10/26/2020 6:47:00 AM

wow!! This poem is packed with emotion. I love it. A fav! :)

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 12:41:00 PM

Much appreciate Heidi--many thanks. And a very special thank you for the FAVE.

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 10/26/2020 6:32:00 AM

"Recalling you fondly in lifelong regret:" Unrequited love–one of those "what-ifs" we carry around. Beautiful Vijay. Linda

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/27/2020 12:41:00 PM

Thank you Linda--much appreciate.

Brandy Nicole

Date: 10/25/2020 7:06:00 PM

"If only I had courage to break my silence" Seems confidence is lacking, most of the time. One will never know, unless whispers caress the air. This is beautiful and tender, all at the same time. ~ Brandy

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/26/2020 6:08:00 AM

Much appreciate your kind remarks, Brandy--many thanks, as always.

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 10/25/2020 5:45:00 PM

We all have many a regret in life Vijay, this sounds like a deep love never spoken, winning wishes dear poet.

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/26/2020 6:07:00 AM

Much appreciate Vienna--many thanks for your visit and comments.

Janice Canerdy

Date: 10/25/2020 3:38:00 PM

Such a moving, poignant, piece, Vijay--looking back and saying "if only . . . Janice

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/26/2020 6:06:00 AM

Many thanks, Janice--much appreciate.

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 10/25/2020 1:15:00 PM

If only...how oft we ask it ourselves. Your arguments are to the point. Always a fine poem Best for a win. ~~

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/26/2020 6:06:00 AM

Thank you Victor--much appreciate, as always.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/25/2020 12:37:00 PM

- We often think ... "if only" ... a lovely and emotional poem, Vijay :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/26/2020 6:05:00 AM

Much appreciate, Anne-Lise. Many thanks.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 10/25/2020 12:15:00 PM

A powerful emotional write Vijay, we often go through life asking ourselves those two words, if only. Good luck Tom

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/26/2020 6:05:00 AM

Thank you Tom--always a pleasure to read your comments. Much appreciate, as always.

Angela Crabtree

Date: 10/25/2020 12:01:00 PM

Beautifully written, Vijay. I think we all wonder from time to time..."if only". Have a great day :)

Vijay Pandit
Date: 10/26/2020 6:04:00 AM

Much appreciate Angela--many thanks.