It could have happened. <br />It had to happen. <br />It happened earlier. Later. <br />Nearer. Farther off. <br />It happened, but not to you. <br />You were saved because you were the first. <br />You were saved because you were the last. <br />Alone. With others. <br />On the right. The left. <br />Because it was raining. Because of the shade. <br />Because the day was sunny. <br /> <br />You were in luck -- there was a forest. <br />You were in luck -- there were no trees. <br />You were in luck -- a rake, a hook, a beam, a brake, <br />A jamb, a turn, a quarter-inch, an instant . . . <br /> <br />So you're here? Still dizzy from <br />another dodge, close shave, reprieve? <br />One hole in the net and you slipped through? <br />I couldn't be more shocked or <br />speechless. <br />Listen, <br />how your heart pounds inside me.<br /><br />Wislawa Szymborska<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/could-have-5/
