If Only

If only I hadn't lost my mind;
I blamed myself and later you
For doubting me; could not abide
The lies, the hate that carried me
To actions formed impatiently, 
In haste, you see,
Disguised so well by finery;
I fooled them all then stole the key.

If only my dreams were peaceful,
Untouched by demons and monsters
Propelling me ever closer to the edge;
Bringing together hopes of Triumph
And Disaster, clashing as one;
My enemies caught in a perfect trap
Fashioned by shiny, sharp tools
That later turned on me.

If only I had thought ahead
And stored my goods in firesafe;
I lost it all in one fell swoop,
Lamented loud for all to hear
I'm nothing now, the end is near;
I lost my hold, there's naught but fear
Remaining here, now all may leer;
There is no hope, I face the rear.

If only I had spoke with care
When white coats came to worry me
With talk of cures and nursing homes;
My loving friends encouraged me
To take a bed, enjoy the rest;
They broke my faith with hurtful lies;
If only hours would pass in silence,
Not roar unhindered in their noise.

If only I had been meek,
Mine would be the earth.






Written in response to "If" by Rudyard Kipling
10/24/2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Andresen Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 12:26 AM
- Congratulations on yours: "In response to IF ...." poems, Deb :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Radke Avatar
November 28, 2018 at 8:38 AM
Thanks, Anne-Lise. I appreciate your taking time to read this poem and write these words of support.
Roper Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 6:40 PM
Nicely done, Deb, congratulations on your placement in the contest I enjoyed reading..
Radke Avatar
November 28, 2018 at 8:36 AM
Thanks, Eve. I appreciate your comments and your time in reading this poem.
One Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 10:47 AM
I've lost so much in my life, but the only thing I miss is my mind.. great take on the contest Deb.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
Radke Avatar
November 28, 2018 at 8:35 AM
Thank you for placing me among the winners. I appreciate it very much.
Smith Avatar
October 26, 2018 at 9:42 AM
Wow! Quite an answer to Mr. Kipling, well done Deb, best wishes in the contest...
Radke Avatar
October 26, 2018 at 11:29 AM
Thank you, Charlie. Your encouraging words mean a great deal to me. Deb
Green Avatar
October 26, 2018 at 7:37 AM
Wow, this was really good. Your stream of thoughts are gathered in such an intense by pleasing way. I can feel the pain, the regret and the hope for something more to come that changes everything. This was a fantastic piece of writing. Thank you for sharing
Radke Avatar
October 26, 2018 at 11:28 AM
Thanks, so much. You've given me a great compliment. I appreciate your words and your taking time to read on comment on my poem. Deb
Hinshaw Avatar
October 25, 2018 at 12:22 PM
Deb, this is truly a very moving and insightful poem - I predict that it will rate at the top of the contest. Glad you enjoyed the Green Bean Casserole write. My daughter reminded me that Reilly was a "she" not a "he" so I revised the poem to reflect that - my face is red!!!! Best to you as you continue your poetical journey - Bob
Radke Avatar
October 25, 2018 at 12:36 PM
Thank you, Bob. It’s nice to hear from a familiar voice after all these years. It’s very good to be back, and writing poetry again. Your words of support are so appreciated. And whether Reilly was a “she” or not, your poem was just as delightful. Love, Deb
Leiser Avatar
October 24, 2018 at 9:42 PM
Your pen is so intense and powerful! The strains of regret and loss carry through so well...excellent verse, Deb! Should do well in the contest :)
Radke Avatar
October 24, 2018 at 9:48 PM
Thank you, Laura. Your words are much appreciated. I was nervous about entering this in the contest as the words talk back, in a way, to a beloved poem. Thanks for taking time to read this and especially, thanks for your support. Deb
Pandit Avatar
October 24, 2018 at 6:40 PM
Excellent poetry..your take on the contest is unique..a well written poem..delivered so aptly..you will win with this poem, Deb.
Radke Avatar
October 24, 2018 at 8:31 PM
Thank you so much, Vijay. I hesitated to respond this way to a poem I love. I thought I would take a look at the dark side, the flip side, if you will. I’m glad you liked it. I truly appreciate your support. My best. Deb
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