If Wishes Were Horses

I wish they’d told me that it would hurt

That I would eat my fair share of dirt

To watch the horizon and stay alert

For the looming demons with which I flirt

I wish they’d told me that it would hurt.

I wish they’d told me I’d be alone

That in solitude I was destined to roam

To find my own way miles from home

Or wither and fall to dust and bones

I wish they’d told me I’d be alone.

I wish they’d told me I was naïve

Thinking companions would never leave

That of compassion I’d be thieved

And left to choke til’ I can’t breathe

I wish they’d told me I was naïve.

I wish they’d told me not to be surprised

When people turned traitor, hurt and lied

That selflessness and love had died

And given way to greed, sloth, and pride

But if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.