Bliss If You Like This (Or, All’s Well That Goes Well)

Regret’s rarely real—
If, right now, you’re pleased
With life, you’re likely
Not bent by regret.
And if you’re displeased,

You’re likely looking
For reasons—for things
And persons—to blame
For your displeasure
And unhappiness.

You may blame actions
Of your younger self,
But is that regret
Really regretful
Or peevish, put-out,

At most, heartbroken
At the ways things turned,
So awfully, out?
Just when have you rued
A choice for itself?

You may regret loss
Or chances you missed,
But those lean mostly
To what’s wrong with this.
It’s bliss, if you like this.