Wishful Thinking

Spent a lifetime wishing away what I had

and wanting what I didn't

A huge house with lots of space

and not the cramped little flat I lived in

A rich dad with an important job

Not a poor mom struggling to put pennies in the tin

Even longed for straight hair as mine was curly

and curves because I was stick thin

If only I had beautiful new clothes

And not faded hand-me-downs

I gazed with envy at well-dressed friends

Who attended every event in brand-new gowns

I wished I could continue studying

And not have to look for a job

But I had to work to pay my own way

So I'd just bury my face in my pillow and sob

I never realised I had much more

than most other people ever got

A decent meal, clean clothes and a loving home

And happiness that couldn't be bought 

Now there's grey in my hair and wrinkles on my face

And when I look back with wisdom I can see

Day to day it had seemed an unending slog

But life has actually been very good to me


© 2013 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved