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. 20^th 2006.