If Only ...

I'd seen more sunrises and gotten out of bed
Thought less with my heart
& more with my head
Looked at things from a different point of view
Danced with strangers instead of people I knew

If I'd married a bit older and married the right man
Been more spontaneous - a little less planned
Made better decisions about my life
Done fewer things wrong and more things right

If I'd won the battle and lost the weight
Been early for once instead of late
Looked at my reflection and genuinely smiled
Been a little less subdued and a little more wild

If I truly appreciated all that I learned
Spent more wisely the money I earned
Been less in a rush and just taken my time
Thought more about others' lives -
less about mine

If all the risks hadn't seemed so great
If I'd taken more chances - left less to fate
Made more people happy, less people sad
Dwelt on the good instead of the bad

If I'd been a better listener and a better friend
A little less rigid - more willing to bend
Perhaps then I wouldn't feel so very lonely
Yes, well, if only ... if only ...

The truth is if I'd done all of that
I'd be somewhere else instead of where I'm at
And though a better place it may very well be
The simple fact is, I wouldn't be me.

© 1997 Wendi Buckley