If Only I Could

If Only I Could!

If only I could stretch time like I stretch money
I'd patent the miracle and I tell you, honey,
I would then have time to spend all that money
That this invention would bring and I'm not just being funny.

I've faced a real challenge in this long lifetime
To make do with less than is possible. It ought to be a crime!
When I wasn't short on one, I was short on the other,
Always robbing Peter to pay Paul! It's good they didn't know each other.

In my transient dreams, my greatest ambition, materially speaking,
Was to be so rich I could rest awhile and just stop seeking -
Hoping that old Father Time would put some spandex in my hours
So I could leisurely spend and spend and then rest in my ivory tower.

Oh well! All these hopes and dreams, as great and fun as they are,
Are not just for me alone. I'd just be able - from my ivory tower afar -
To be the altruistic contributor that fate has fought me, tooth and nail
To most assuredly prevent this from becoming a reality. It never failed.

My old "stand-by" of mottos, excuses and reasons attempt to soften the blow.
But as dusk approaches, I probably, instinctively know
That even now, my chances for either, really do grow less.
But I'll keep trying, just in case some instant miracle will manifest.

That faith has sustained, all the way, and that is how my finality spoke,
"I'll just take what I have and do what I can" no matter how deprived or broke.
There'll always be that distant sunrise when my Father would
Hear the constant prayer and answer my "If only I could."