I would have talked less and listened more
I would have invited friends over to dinner
Even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room
And worried much less about the dirt when someone
Wanted to light a fire in the fireplace
I would have taken the time to listen to My grandfather
ramble about his youth
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up
on a summer day Because my hair had just been teased
and sprayed
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose
Before it melted in storage
I would have sat on the lawn with my children
And not worried about grass stains
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television
And more while watching life
I would have shared more of the responsibility
carried by my husband
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending
The earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day
I would have never bought anything just because it was practical
Wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy
I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment
Growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said
"Later ... Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's", more "I'm sorry's"
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute
Look at it and really see it and live it And never give it back.
