Regret
(for Mark)
Now, for the first time, I wish
I had been less dreamer, and had worked
Ambitiously for all I could have grasped
Of riches and position, to outlast
Whatever demands your pleasure makes.
What more could any father give
Than the greatest subsidy for leisure?
And I can give you none.
I know you love me;
Your love is not in doubt.
But I would feel much worthier if I
Had striven to give you something other
Than a paper strongbox that contains
The small nest-egg of stars I’ve savaged
From the dark, howling eternity of my heart.