Michael J. Farrand

Had I But

Had I but listened
Had I but heeded
Had I but followed
Had I but caved

Warnings to me shouted
Advice to me offered
Suggestions to me made
Wisdom to me raved

Teeth might be un-glistened
Help might be unneeded
Hope might be unhallowed
Troubles might be saved

Forces would be un-routed
Weapons would be un-proffered
Penalties would be unpaid
The road would be paved

But who listens?
Who heeds?
Who follows?
Who caves?

Learning grows
Experience tells
The journey shows
Our pathway from Hell.

© 2003 by Michael J. Farrand

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