IF…
by Yvonne Brooks (nee Wall)


Where in this world would my feet guide on their walk,
If I were granted one wish of this kind,
One last dying wish, a craving of mind,
To grant a last look at this great universe,
Which landscape, which country… the best or the worst?
Would capture my mind on my last journey of thought.

Would I search in the past for my lost childhood days.
If I were allowed to retrace once again,
The joys of my birth, my growing-up pain.
To join in the love of my parents and know,
That they love, and they care, what I do, where I go.
Would I grope in the past and ask them to stay?

Perhaps my last wish would be granted in mirth.
If I were allowed to return to Par-ee.
To sample the wine and the living that's free.
To mingle with artist, living life as they choose.
Sipping coffee in cafes, painting in solitary recluse.
Would it make me a better soul leaving this earth?

Perhaps I'd follow high society, lured by their 'all',
If I were allowed just a short while to play,
On sun-drenched beaches, and go sailing away,
To tropical island, the Bahamas, Antibes or Capri,
Taking cocktails with 'stars', dining with 'titles' to see,
Life from all walks, before I answered my call.

Maybe I'd think of my own needs of the smallest degree,
If I were allowed just a day's pardoned grace,
To attend to the needy, the sick, this large human race.
To help unite countries with strong friendly grasp,
Colour or creed held by hand, letting hatred fly past.
Would my part in these deeds set my selfish thoughts free?

Maybe I'd reach for a much higher plain than this earth.
Perhaps I'd think of mind's knowledge the least.
And I'd crave for a day in the 'mysterious east'.
Searching for cites, lost temples, a disciple of all.
And with others would wail, upon Jerusalem's wall.
Would my quiet meditation give me the peace that it's worth.

Where in this world would I go in my journey, but here.
If I were granted one wish of this kind,
One last thoughtful look at my own searching mind.
To grant one last peep at my own 'family tree',
To go over my past of what life's done for me.
If I passed in my searching would my conscience be clear?

 

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