If Only I Poem by John Carter Brown

If only I could stand without the creaking
Without the pain I feel in hip and knee;
If only I could focus without squinting
And read the writing straight in front of me.

If only I could lift the things I used to
And all my body-parts would all agree;
If only I were fit enough for purpose
Instead of slowly sinking by degree.

If only I could run as fast as you can
Or stand as tall without a six-inch heel;
If only I had muscles stood to bulging
That made me look just like The Man of Steel.

If only I, but none of this is likely
I'm not the one that once I used to be;
If only I were two of what I long for,
Or better still three times a man like thee.

(Written Nov 2013)