Regret Quote by Carl Sandburg
““Wishes left on your lips The mark of their wings. Regrets fly kites in your eyes.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Wishes” (published 1916)
The lines compare unfulfilled wishes to silent lips and regrets to restless kites, suggesting that unspoken desires linger while regrets are visible in one’s eyes.
In simple terms: Unspoken wishes stay hidden; regrets are seen.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and release both wishes and regrets.
Themes
poetry
emotion
reflection
loss
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- counseling
- creative writing
Key Concepts
human longing
psychology
symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What wishes remain unspoken?
- How do regrets shape your perspective?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on regrets can hinder moving forward.
![“The only regret I have in my career, is my managers wanted a big payday, and I wanted four or five more fights before going in with [Larry] Holmes. That would have made all the difference.” quote by Gerry Cooney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d63/gerry-cooney-20863_bigs_the-only-regret-i-have-in-my-career-is-m_1534.jpg)
