I
I would have dressed up,
Only it was too much trouble.
I would have gone out,
Only it cost too much.
I would have driven,
Only travel’s dangerous.
I would have eaten,
Only I weigh too much.
I would have danced,
Only I didn’t have a partner.
I would have returned,
Only it brought back bad memories.
II
I would have gone,
Only I didn’t have time.
I would have visited,
Only I wasn’t wanted.
I would have tried,
Only it was a waste of energy.
I would have helped,
Only they didn’t need me.
.
I would have cared,
Only I didn’t feel like it.
I would have cried,
Only I wasn’t sorry.
III
I would have volunteered,
Only I had better things to do.
I would have voted,
Only it wouldn’t have changed things.
I would have donated,
Only they’d made their quota.
I would have spoken up,
Only I was afraid to.
I would have acted,
Only others got there first.
I would have felt sorry,
Only I didn’t feel guilty.
IV
I would have prepared,
Only it was too much work.
I would have studied,
Only I wouldn’t have
passed.
I would have corrected it,
Only it was too late.
I would have told the truth,
Only it would have offended.
I would have graduated,
Only life intervened.
I would have gotten the job,
Only they didn’t like me.
V
I would have prayed,
Only God only knows.
I would have worshipped,
Only I hate to sing.
I would have fellowshipped
Only I didn’t know them.
I would have served,
Only I didn’t have the calling.
I would have loved,
Only it hurt too much.
I would have lived,
If only.
BW III
Jan. 20th 2006.
posted October 17, 2009 at 9:46 am
I could have posted but…
posted October 18, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Excellent poem. I know some people who who don’t take the opportunities God puts before them, including myself. God grant me the eyes to see these opportunities to do good when they present themselves,and to act on every opportunity you put before me.