The Men We Might Have Been
The Men We Might Have Been - meaning Summary
Regret and Redemption
The poem contemplates the pain of imagining an alternate life—the successful, admired man the speaker might have become. Others remind him of that lost potential, intensifying remorse and self-doubt. A loyal friend offers sympathy and grounds his perspective. The closing stanza rejects passive regret and turns toward active striving: keep the ideals of bravery, truth, and purity in view and continue to work so the men we might be yet can still emerge.
Read Complete AnalysesWhen God’s wrath-cloud is o’er me, Affrighting heart and mind; When days seem dark before me, And days seem black behind; Those friends who think they know me Who deem their insight keen They ne’er forget to show me The man I might have been. He’s rich and independent, Or rising fast to fame; His bright star is ascendant, The country knows his name; His houses and his gardens Are splendid to be seen; His fault the wise world pardons The man I might have been. His fame and fortune haunt me; His virtues wave me back; His name and prestige daunt me When I would take the track; But you, my friend true-hearted God keep our friendship green! You know how I was parted From all I might have been. But what avails the ache of Remorse or weak regret? We’ll battle for the sake of The men we might be yet! We’ll strive to keep in sight of The brave, the true, and clean, And triumph yet in spite of The men we might have been.
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