R. Parthasarathy’s poem " Regret " is a poignant reflection on the loss of innocence and the inevitable passage into adulthood. Often studied as a standalone piece or within the context of his larger work, Rough Passage , the poem captures a universal human experience: the realization that growing up often means trading wonder for worldliness.

As the poem progresses, Parthasarathy introduces the central conflict. The poet attempts to re-enter this past world. However, he finds that he has become an outsider to his own history. This is a classic "Parthasarathy" theme—the intellectual who has been shaped by Western education (English) finds himself alienated from his Eastern roots (Tamil/India).

For anyone who has ever felt caught between two cultures, two languages, or two versions of themselves, "Regret" offers not a solution but a recognition. It says: This pain is real. This is what loss feels like in the mouth. And in that honest naming, the poem achieves its own kind of redemption—an art forged from the very regret it describes.

Here’s a concise summary of the poem by R. Parthasarathy , followed by a sample social media post.

The taste of the first fruit has turned to ash in my mouth. And the tongue, that clumsy instrument, moves around the stale bread like a snail on a rock.

: He describes his experience as "rough passage," signifying a journey that was difficult and perhaps misguided. 🏗️ Structure of Rough Passage