A remarkably powerful poem, much for what is left unsaid, or couched between the lines. Many a reader can relate to this from their own experience. A fine poem indeed, self-contained and with depth.

Regrets of what was and wasn't - would could have and what didn't.
Such intensity of the roads never trekked, and the choices caused ghastly voices of lost hope.
I guess she/he needs to uncork the bottled up feelings

Hmm, you've described my life almost to perfection.

It's a masterpiece.

First off, the pic is perfect with its facially-sharp contrasts caught in what one might imagine time's flow of movement in such soft and gentle striations. The poem, however, is with much more to savor. The metaphor of "both" following the "trying to keep the inside in and the outside out" give the poem acceleration into the thoughts of any conscious reader, resulting, at least with this reader, identity. If only more writers would see the value in choosing words and phrases that beg a question of the reader, our lexicon of understanding would make quantum leaps. Phrases like "a loving mother or the first-ever shot of whiskey" give so much for one to ponder, seeking the poet's meaning while using it for oneself. Bravo this write.