This succinct rhyming couplet about regretting wasted time really strikes a chord with me.

As a notorious Restoration rake and a prominent member of the Merry Gang, the 2nd Duke of Buckingham certainly knew a thing or two about idling and debauchery.

In terms of loafing, overindulgence and hell-raising, I can’t hold a candle to George Villiers, but I’ve seen my fair share of pubs, clubs and parties.

I’ve frittered away too much time in questionable company. I’ve swung the lead when I should’ve been working. I’ve lazed about aimlessly when I could’ve been productive or creative or both.

I’ve procrastinated, been disorganised and inefficient, and squandered a ton of time and energy on pursuits that amounted to nothing.

And don’t even get me started on video games, social media and internet time-wasting – it’s almost as if the primary purpose of the microchip was to turn us all into square-eyed loser-zombies.

Anyway, the older I get, the more I regret those ‘wanton hours’ and wish I could live them again. But those hours are gone forever and the joke is very much on me.

I guess Villiers was right: however you waste it, time always has the last laugh.

Wanton Hours

Methinks I see the wanton hours flee And, as they pass, turn back and laugh at me.