Echoes of Dawn at Dusk: Collected Poems (Volume 2)

As We Sow Thus Do We Reap

This poem is another variation on a theme that appears in my poetry and fiction in various ways from time to time and is very near to my heart: regret for roads not taken. I've largely devoted myself to my work, which has been incredibly rewarding--both my academic life and my writing. But in retrospect, I regret some life choices that cannot be undone. I've produced bushels of dead leaves--my books and scholarly articles--but should have focused on far more important things, like spending more time with loved ones or having a child--my greatest regret of all. I know that in my deathbed I will not say "I wish I'd published more." And I've always known that, yet allowed doors to close that may well be the subject of my final thoughts on earth, if not my final words. We accumulate knowledge in life. Alas, knowledge does not necessarily lead to wisdom.