LXIX

Had I one wish to wish for something good—

Unlike a genie's grant of three to spend,

Where first for riches would I wish, and could

Buy all but Heaven till my life should end.

With second wish, perhaps, a pleasure, rare—

To understand the world and all I see,

But not to learn from, or with others share—

Grow dumber, thus, though wiser try to be.

And with the third would seek to make amends

For squandering both wishes one and two,

By asking foolishly for one that sends

A chance for love, when I still don't have you.

No smarter, richer man, and Heaven's own,

Then I, whose first wish wished for you alone.

 -Michael D. Petti  

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