If I Said Yes

If I said yes, where would I be? In a neat little house, part of a neat little row, in a happy, quiet neighborhood.

If I said yes, I would be with you, happy and unaware of anything else. I would have no other grand plans or schemes, and no great ambitions. Just having you would be enough.

If I said yes, I would have a family. I would have loved ones who depended on me. I would spend the evenings with you, with them. We would sit or play and smile. There would be peace.

If I said yes, life would be simple, not without any trouble, but without trouble I couldn't bear. Patience and kindness would work through it all. I know you would be there.

If I said yes, you would give me the world. All you have to offer, you offered to me. All I could take from you, you would give. I would have your love and devotion. I know your words would be true, and you would love me until breath had left you and you could love me no more.

If I said yes.

If I said yes, all this and more, and none of what I have.

If I said yes, no more longing, but for you; no more passions, but for you; no more living, but for you. And you for me.

If I said yes.

I said no.