It's not for laws I've broken <br />That bitter tears I've wept, <br />But solemn vows I've spoken <br />And promises unkept; <br />It's not for sins committed <br />My heart is full of rue, <br />but gentle acts omitted, <br />Kind deeds I did not do. <br /> <br />I have outlived the blindness, <br />The selfishness of youth; <br />The canker of unkindness, <br />The cruelty of truth; <br />The searing hurt of rudeness . . . <br />By mercies great and small, <br />I've come to reckon goodness <br />The greatest gift of all. <br /> <br />Let us be helpful ever <br />to those who are in need, <br />And each new day endeavour <br />To do some gentle deed; <br />For faults beyond our grieving, <br />What kindliness atone; <br />On earth by love achieving <br />A Heaven of our own.<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/regret-3/
