Apology Quote by Mary Szybist
““ Apology I didn't mean to say so much to you. I should have thought to let the evening end by looking at the stars subdued into their antique blue and alabaster hues. Such looking would have fit with my intent. I didn't mean to speak that way to you. If I could take it back, I'd take it, undo it, and replace it with the things I meant to give—not what I let slip (it's true) like any pristine star of ornamental hue. I do not always do what I intend. I didn't mean to say so much to you. It slipped before I saw, before I knew. Or do we always do what we intend? Perhaps it's true and all along I knew what I was saying—but how I wanted you. I should have thought to let the evening end. The placid stars seemed filled and then subdued by what I did and did not want to do.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Apology” by Mary Szybist, 2020
The speaker regrets speaking impulsively and wishes they could undo words that hurt, reflecting on the gap between intention and action.
In simple terms: Regret over spoken words and desire to fix them.
Key Takeaway
Pause before speaking; choose words carefully.
Themes
regret
communication
intent
reflection
Mood
sad
reflective
Type
apology
personal
When to use this quote
- apology
- conflict resolution
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
psychology
language
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you repair a spoken mistake?
- What habits help align speech with intent?
A Different Perspective
Words cannot be fully retracted, causing lingering hurt.
