If only I could stand without the creaking <br />Without the pain I feel in hip and knee; <br />If only I could focus without squinting <br />And read the writing straight in front of me. <br /> <br />If only I could lift the things I used to <br />And all my body-parts would all agree; <br />If only I were fit enough for purpose <br />Instead of slowly sinking by degree. <br /> <br />If only I could run as fast as you can <br />Or stand as tall without a six-inch heel; <br />If only I had muscles stood to bulging <br />That made me look just like The Man of Steel. <br /> <br />If only I, but none of this is likely <br />I'm not the one that once I used to be; <br />If only I were two of what I long for, <br />Or better still three times a man like thee. <br /> <br />(Written Nov 2013)<br /><br />John Carter Brown<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/if-only-i-4/
