my haiku tattoo

[Chase Gagnon]

I am going to get this tattooed on the inside of my wrist

distant galaxies
all the things
I could have been

-Aubrie Cox

[Don Baird]

I would get:

distant galaxies . . .
all the things
I am

Why live in a life of "could"?  That's great for poetry.  But living in a space of "being" is way better than living in a space of "could have".  Reflection without looking to the future of your IS, is a waste of your precious life.  Could haves are everywhere; is is all you really have and you should make the best of each split second of it.

distant galaxies . . .
all the things
I am

Now the possibilities of "being" is in touch with your current moment . . . leaving behind the wispy thoughts of what could have been.

teetering grass . . .
just moments ago
a dragonfly

Living, leaving, and living again ... and so it goes . . . in only moments.

best to you and your tattoo ...

Don

[PAllen]

Chase, reconsider.  I agree with Don; aspire to possibilities, not relinquishment to regret.  Not to also mention someone else's verse. . .

[aubriecox]

I'm replying to this awfully late, but I am a bit curious. Chase, did you ever get your tattoo? If so, I'd love to see it.

As a note to the other two, I would just like to say as the author of the poem (who is super flattered that he even considered it), in general I would much rather if someone tattooed the original than an edit.

[Don Baird]

Aubrie,

From a poet point of view, I agree with you completely.  You have a wonderful poem.  I meant no disrespect.  :)  However, from a philosophical point of view ... for me ... I would think in terms of "all the things I am" ... nothing against the poem at all; just a different perspective (of which both are your poem or at least, what your poem stimulates the mind to ponder).

Blessings...

[Chase Gagnon]

I'm replying to this awfully late, but I am a bit curious. Chase, did you ever get your tattoo? If so, I'd love to see it.

As a note to the other two, I would just like to say as the author of the poem (who is super flattered that he even considered it), in general I would much rather if someone tattooed the original than an edit.

Aubrie, I did get the tattoo! I had it done in henna first... (to see if i would like it on my arm ect..) then after a few months I got it inked on. No regrets. and yes, it is the original version. I'll be glad to show you when I have a chance :)

I just want to say I am a huge fan of your work, and your "distant galaxies" ku has been my favorite ever since I read it.

Chase

[Chase Gagnon]

Aubrie,

From a poet point of view, I agree with you completely.  You have a wonderful poem.  I meant no disrespect.  :)  However, from a philosophical point of view ... for me ... I would think in terms of "all the things I am" ... nothing against the poem at all; just a different perspective (of which both are your poem or at least, what your poem stimulates the mind to ponder).

Blessings...

Hi Don, I see your point... but I think I read the poem differently than you. I always felt a sense of wonder... like the tiniest choice in someones past could have changed their whole life. I have always wondered what or where I would be if I had made different decisions (I might be something different, but not necessarily better)  But I am very content with who I am, I just think its kind of fun to think about. This poem is amazing... and I have no regrets with the tattoo :) Thanks for all your comments  everyone.

Chase

[Seaview (Marion Clarke)]

Cool!   8)

[Julie B. K.]

Chase and Aubrie: That's a really cool story. I'd love to see the tattoo myself.