If I had only known…
that time really does fly,
I would have spent more time with you.  

If I had only known…
when my mom said, “One day you’ll appreciate all I did for you,”
I would have told her “I appreciate you now,” and more often.  

If I had only known…
when my dad said, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you!” that it really did,
I would have tried to be good so we both didn’t hurt so much.  

If I had only known…
that life really is too short, I would have lived it more.  

If I had only known…
that regret lasts a lifetime,
I would have listened to my heart more.  

If I had only known…
that love is always the answer,
I would have loved more.  

If I had only known…
that hope is a life preserver,
I would have held on longer.  

If I had only known…
the value of touch,
I would have touched more lives, more often and longer.  

If I had only known…
that “try and try again” is not a limit set,
but steps worth repeating until you succeed,
I would have accomplished so much more.  

If I had only known…
that “Because I said so!” really was a good answer,
I would have stopped asking
long before I got punished.  

If I had only known…
“Less really is more,”
I would have saved a fortune on haircuts. 
Now that I have less hair it costs me more to get one.  

If I had only known…
that you would not make it until Christmas that year
I would have put my tree up in July for you, Pop.  

If I had only known…
that you expected more from me,
I would have given more than you expected.  

If I had only known…
two dogs are better than one,
I would have gotten three or four just to see how good it could really get.  

If I had only known…
you were feeling low,
I would have sent a note to you  

just to let you know…

“I believe in you!”

Bob Perks 2believe@comcast.net