Neil Harding McAlister
If only I could spend my time in leisure,
And never work to earn my daily bread.
If only I had found a buried treasure,
A sybaritic life I would have lead.
Or what if I had been that treasure’s owner?
A pirate bold, on distant, tropic seas --
A bright, green parrot perched upon my shoulder,
A buxom wench ashore to wait for me!
If only I had such a girl to love me!
If only I were charming, rich, or fair!
If only I could be a few years younger.
If only I still had a head of hair.
If only I had held my tongue when angry!
If only I had spoken up in time!
If only I had run a little faster!
If only I’d been standing first in line!
If only I’d been born to wealth and power,
I know I could have been a mighty king,
With bags of pearls and rubies in my coffers,
And fingers all bedecked with golden rings.
You’d find me living in a gorgeous palace
With lofty towers climbing to the sky,
I’d be the master of a thousand servants --
If only pigs had wings, and cows could fly!
© 2003-6, Neil Harding McAlister
contact: neilmac@durham.net
