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The Highway of Regret

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The storms are raging on the rollin' sea, and on the highway of regret Yes, I played around, was unfaithful to you, I'd change it all you bet. I truly loved you with all my heart, but I tried to act all cool I'd stay out partying all night long and now realise I was just a fool. I'd get in, go straight to bed and stay in there till noon You'd come in from work as I was going out and I'd say "I'll see you soon" I went to a seedy club one night, when I should have been home in bed Your sister tracked me down that night, I'll never forget what she said. "Susan has taken an overdose and she's been rushed to A and E" Those words were like an electric shock and it was all because of me We finally got to the hospital and I was in such a terrible state. All your family were there crying by your bed and I knew we were too late. Your dad said "John you're not welcome here and its best that you leave, Please don't come to her funeral and find somewhere else to grieve". I went back to our empty house and I just broke down and cried And it hit me that the way that I'd treated you is the reason why you died. I spiralled downhill very fast and quickly turned to drink My mind was in a turmoil; I couldn't focus to even think I lost our house and all my friends and I was sleeping rough I wanted to end my useless life because I'd had enough. Folk at a local church took pity on me and slowly I got well I found some purpose with my life and escaped my living hell I still have some bad days though and I know I'm not there yet And on those bad days I slowly walk on that highway of regret. Written February 12th 2020. For Poetic lines 3 - love Songs Poetry Contest. Sponsored By Silent One. The first line of this poem-The storms are raging on the rollin' sea and on the highway of regret is from the song- Make you feel my love and the credit goes to the writer of the song- Bob Dylan ).

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Valsa George

Date: 3/14/2022 4:11:00 AM

'Walking through the highway of regret'- all through misfired actions of oneself ! Something not done in time will cost a heavy price ! Very poignant and soul stirring write, Tom !

Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/14/2022 4:28:00 AM

Thank you very much Valsa, a fictional write but true stories inspired me. Tom

Line Gauthier

Date: 1/21/2021 5:52:00 PM

Wow what a poignant tale and so well narrated. I'm sure this is a true story for many who cannot forgive themselves for one or another version of this story. A most powerful story and I'm so glad that it is part of the 2020 PS Anthology ~ Superb penning, Tom. You even wrapped it up with that excelling closing line to pack a punch. Brilliant. A FAVE for me.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/22/2021 1:19:00 AM

Thank you very much Line, its tragic for many that dont see the damage they are doing until its too late and then its the point of no return. Thanks too for the fave. Enjoy your weekend. Tom

L. J. Carber

Date: 3/16/2020 11:56:00 AM

You are skilled at narrative poetry, Tom, for sure! Congrts [and I can relate all too well to traveling that highway of regret.]

Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/16/2020 12:38:00 PM

Thank you L. J., you're not alone, I think many of us have at some point been on that highway. Tom

Edward Ibeh

Date: 3/15/2020 7:56:00 AM

A spectacular write and one of the very best I've read for this contest, Tom:-) Congratulations on your well-deserved win!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/15/2020 8:14:00 AM

Thank you very much Edward, I'm happy you liked it. It didn't take much inspiration, I've been a big fan of Bob Dylan for about 44 years. Stay safe. Tom

Lin Lane

Date: 3/13/2020 8:14:00 AM

I apologize for not reading this sooner, Tom. It's wonderfully insightful and filled with sorrowful regret...worthy of a 1st place finish instead of being relegated to 2nd among so many others. Yeah, it's that good! Hugs for you.

Lin Lane
Date: 3/13/2020 8:58:00 AM

merci, mon ami

Tom Cunningham
Date: 3/13/2020 8:24:00 AM

Thank you very much Lin, coming from a top poet like you it means a lot. I hope you are keeping well, stay safe. Tom

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 2/23/2020 8:00:00 AM

- Congratulations on your winning poem, Tom :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/23/2020 9:25:00 AM

Thank you Anne, hope you're well. Tom

Silent One

Date: 2/23/2020 5:38:00 AM

People are so quickly shunned, thats what makes them worse and they spiral further out of control.. but there is always someone who can save them... great take on the line.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/23/2020 5:59:00 AM

Thank you S. O, it was interesting to see other poets interpretations of the line, it was an enjoyable contest. Thank you for hosting. Tom

Indiana Shaw

Date: 2/18/2020 9:11:00 AM

Another hard-hitting poem/story Tom, a lass who wasted her time on a waster, what a waste of a young life . . .

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/18/2020 9:42:00 AM

Thanks Indiana, sadly you hear of cases like that where they hang on expecting things to change but they never do with tragic consequences. Tom

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 2/17/2020 11:09:00 PM

A very sad, beautiful write Tom, there are some things in life that can never be taken back once done or said. A great poem. Blessings, Jennifer.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/18/2020 5:59:00 AM

Thank you Jennifer that is so true, regrets are baggage you don't need. Tom

Panagiota Romios

Date: 2/16/2020 1:49:00 PM

Fantastic piece Tom. I pronounce this a winner! Too many give up on lost souls who fall prey to demon rum, so to speak. The recovery stories are never told. Friends and family have thrown in the towel on those struggling. That's an even sadder story. Best wishes. Panagiota xx

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/17/2020 2:52:00 AM

Thank you Panagiota, we all make big mistakes as we go through life, we should learn from them. We all deserve a second chance. Tom

Robert Lindley

Date: 2/16/2020 7:01:00 AM

Brilliant story telling and poetry my friend. You weave the story in such exceptional and creative depths and flow.A fav and a true gem too.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/16/2020 1:41:00 PM

Thank you very much Robert, your comments are much appreciated. Tom

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 2/15/2020 10:39:00 AM

This is beyond excellent. I pray it was not a personal experience Tom. Blessings Rick.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/15/2020 10:50:00 AM

Thank you very much Richard, no thankfully, it's a fictional write. Hope you're well. Tom

Heidi Sands

Date: 2/15/2020 7:30:00 AM

Wow, this is unbelievable. Just so powerful, for sure. Very well written. Excellent poem Tom. :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/15/2020 8:44:00 AM

Thank you very much Heidi, I'm happy you liked it. Tom

Ann Gilmour

Date: 2/15/2020 3:08:00 AM

Tom your poem is so well written with excellent flow and rhyme, and as it took me along that highway of regret it was so sad, yet often so true. Good luck with the contest Tom. With kindest thoughts Ann xx

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/15/2020 5:25:00 AM

Thank you Ann, Yes sadly I've heard of stories like that too. Don't go for a walk today you might take off lol Tom

Sandra Adams

Date: 2/14/2020 7:37:00 PM

wow... this is a powerful write Tom...I see this line really inspired your muse... wonderful penning! Happy Valentine's day and best wishes in the contest... hugs

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/15/2020 5:14:00 AM

Thank you very much Sandra, I love that song and thankfully my muse sang along with me. Have a lovely weekend. Tom

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 2/14/2020 2:44:00 AM

Oh Tom, I loved your version of building a poem from Dylan's quote from his song. I chose the same line. This is a sad story and one that is definitely regretful. Wonderfully composed Tom. I am sure it will be a top winner! xxoo

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/14/2020 3:24:00 AM

Thank you very much Connie, I'm happy you like it. I must have been on your page when you were on mine lol. Tom.

Quoth Theraven

Date: 2/13/2020 9:32:00 AM

Tom, Very intuitive and powerful write from John's first person perspective on the consequences of life..reminds me of the passage "there but for the grace of God go I". Very well written and profound. I know Bob would approve with two fingered salute. -Richard

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/13/2020 12:01:00 PM

Thank you Richard, sadly it happens a lot, some people dont grow up until its too late. You probably guessed, my favourite musician. Hope youre well. Tom

Lisa Brown

Date: 2/13/2020 12:33:00 AM

Great poem and sadly too realistic. Well done Tom!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/13/2020 1:41:00 AM

Thanks Lisa, a tragic story you often hear about. Tom

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 2/12/2020 8:36:00 PM

G'day Tom … plenty of travellers on the highway to regret Tom, and all have the invisible conscience sitting on their shoulder - thanks Tom - Lindsay

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/12/2020 9:17:00 PM

Thanks Lindsay, Some struggle with heavy burdens for sure, life must be a real.struggle. Tom

Timothy Mcguire

Date: 2/12/2020 7:30:00 PM

Well written Tom

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/12/2020 9:15:00 PM

Thank you Timothy Tom

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 2/12/2020 2:14:00 PM

- A story that grabs my heart, Tom - So terribly sad ... good luck in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/12/2020 4:27:00 PM

Thank you. Anne., certainly not an uncommon story. Tom

Gershon Wolf

Date: 2/12/2020 2:02:00 PM

Just a great conception -- The Highway of Regret -- and you executed it so well, Tom. Very much enjoyed! Thanks, Gershon

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/12/2020 4:25:00 PM

Thanks very much Gershon, happy you enjoyed it. Tom

Vijay Pandit

Date: 2/12/2020 9:27:00 AM

This is so powerful Tom--you describe some, whose lives parallel the scenes you depicted--a story true to real life always tugs the heart. Excellent-- a sure win for you.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/12/2020 11:06:00 AM

Thank you very much Vijay, I've heard of tragic stories like that and some leave it too late and spend the rest of their lives in regret. Tom

Alexis Y.

Date: 2/12/2020 8:27:00 AM

WoW! Tom, This is an excellent entry for the contest theme. You nailed it! This poignant write brought me to tears. I think you’ve just penned your way on the winner’s list. No need to wish you luck. Enjoy the rest of your day:-) Alexis

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/12/2020 8:38:00 AM

Thank you very much Alexis, was only going to do three verses but muse kept firing at me lol Hope alls well. Tom

Joseph May

Date: 2/12/2020 7:54:00 AM

A powerful and poignant write Tom

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/12/2020 8:05:00 AM

Thank you Joseph, had to go for that one, my favorite musician. Tom