I wish I had taken
life a little less seriously.
I wish I had taken time
to laugh with my mother.
I wish I had hugged her more,
held her hand, and said "I love you."
I wish we had enjoyed more ice cream.
I wish I had played make-believe
instead of trying to explain.
I wish I had taken time
to smell the roses,
to touch them as she did.
I wish I had felt less anger
and more love.
It was over so soon.
I wish I had realized
life would feel so empty
without her.

Copyright © 1997-2005 Brenda S. Parris