If

If.  
Two letters. 
One powerful word.
If wounds with regret. 
If only I hadn’t.
If only I had. 
Taunting specter.    
The keening ache of yesterday’s if.  

If boasts. 
Constant.  Confident.  
Arrogant, almost. 
If, then. 
Reap, sow.
If struts in tall boots, certain of today. 

But what if?      
Peering beyond,   
If quivers with hope,
A golden aspen leaf, ready to fall.
If I am not, am I still?  
If it is true, will I believe? 
A whispered answer beckons,
Overcoming  if’s last doubt.    

© Leslie McLeod 2018