Wish List

I wish I'd been a giant of jazz

like Wes Montgomery,

a paragon of phrasing

and of tone and harmony.

Original, creative,

beautiful, concise,

of course I'm only dreaming

but it would be rather nice.

I wish I'd been religious

like a benedictine monk,

with nothing but a bible,

a table and a bunk,

just prayer and contemplation

and a little bread and rice,

of course I'm only dreaming

but it would be rather nice.

I wish I'd been a porn star

like the famed Ron Jeremy

having sex with naked girls

and being paid a fee.

If living was e'er sweeter made

I'll take it on advice.

Of course I'm only dreaming

but it would be rather nice.

I wish I'd been a bather

in frozen lakes and seas

in stunning winter snow

at minus thirty-five degrees.

Taking all my clothes off

and jumping through the ice.

Of course I'm only dreaming

but it would be rather nice.

Of course I'm only dreaming

and I can't be disabused

but really, on reflection,

it's no wonder I'm confused.

I trust God will advise me

when I get to Paradise.

Of course I'm only dreaming

but it would be rather nice.

Tony Thorpe