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Things I Should Say
A heartfelt poem by Julie Hebert about finding the courage to express love, offer an apology, and say the words that matter most.
Have you ever wanted to tell someone how much they mean to you, but found the words difficult to say? Sometimes the simplest words, such as "I love you," "I need you," or "I'm sorry," can be the hardest to speak. We may worry about how someone will respond, or we may keep putting off the conversation until another day.
In Things I Should Say, Julie Hebert reminds us that life moves quickly and we should not wait too long to express what is in our hearts. Her poem encourages us to overcome our hesitation, speak honestly, and appreciate the people who matter most. As you read these verses, think about someone who might need to hear a few heartfelt words from you today.
Updated October 14, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Things I Should Say
Poet: Julie Hebert, © 2011
I always find it hard to say,
The things that mean the most.
I love you, need you, I'm sorry, I'm lonely,
Are just some that are utmost.
I don't know why these seem to be,
So hard to say to you.
It's not like I'm being forced to say,
Something that isn't true.
I guess some things that should be said,
Make me feel uneasy.
But this excuse has got to go,
As this should be quite easy.
So now I must tell you something,
That's so very true.
I do love you, and I do need you,
And I'm sorry, sooner I did not tell you.
Life is short, and time moves fast,
Regrets can weigh us down.
But opening hearts and speaking truth,
Turns sorrow into a crown.
From this day on, I'll never wait,
To share what's in my heart.
No words unsaid, no love withheld,
Each moment, a fresh start.
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Speaking from the heart takes courage.
Sometimes the words we most need to say are the ones we find hardest to express. Being honest about our feelings can help bring us closer to the people we love.
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Don't wait to say what matters.
Life moves quickly, and we never know what tomorrow may bring. Taking a moment today to share our feelings can help us avoid regrets later.
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An apology can make a difference.
Saying "I'm sorry" is not always easy, but it can be an important step toward healing a relationship. A sincere apology shows that we care about another person's feelings.
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Every day offers a fresh start.
We cannot change the words we failed to say yesterday, but we can choose to speak them today. Each new day gives us another opportunity to show love and appreciation.
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Conclusion
Things I Should Say reminds us that the words we hold back may be the very words someone else needs to hear. Julie Hebert's poem encourages us to move past our hesitation and be honest about the love, gratitude, and apologies we carry in our hearts. We may not always find the perfect words, but speaking sincerely is what matters most.
May this poem encourage you to reach out to someone today. Tell them you love them, thank them for their kindness, or offer the apology you have been meaning to make. Life is too short to leave important words unsaid, and sometimes a simple conversation can make a lasting difference.
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