Writing Rights: Michael Dunne (15) - Regret

Michael wrote his poem 'Regret' following a conversation he had with his friends on the topic.

Michael shares with us that sometimes he doesn't like to talk about things going on in his life, but he uses his talent in writing as a means to express himself and how he is feeling. Expression of thoughts by any method is every child and young person's right, as stated in Article 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: You have the right to find out things and share what you think with others, by talking, drawing, writing or in any other way unless it harms or offends other people.

His piece has tapped into the right of expression, and the right to have an opinion which is taken seriously.

Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states: You have the right to give your opinion, and for adults to listen and take it seriously.

Michael wants to be a professional writer and is currently writing a novel.

Below is a transcript of what Michael had to say.

0:00 (Music) 0:02 My name is Michael Dunne, I am 15 years old and I am from Castleknock. 0:10 This is 'Regret', and it came from a conversation with my friends actually. We were talking a few days ago and someone brought up the subject of regret and I said I did regret a few things in the past and I tried not to tell them. So when they asked me why, that poem is exactly what I said. 0:33 Regret Why do i regret my past? Well, why does anyone? Their choices, their actions, the words they said and the words they didn’t. The thoughts they wish they never had,
and the thoughts they wish they had first. Both the lies and the truths told can make someone regret. If you’re someone like me, Then no matter what choices you make, Whatever actions you do, You will always regret, and that’s all I’m saying on the matter.

© Michael Dunne 2014

Accompanying Music: 'Mr Magpie' by Ana Gog. http://www.anagogmusic.com/

Fighting Words is a creative writing centre established by Roddy Doyle and Sean Love. http://www.fightingwords.ie/