Poems (Coolidge)/If

by Helen Elizabeth Coolidge

For works with similar titles, see If.

IF

If only I were stronger
 I d conquer in the fight;
When one is weak and ailing
 'Tis hard to do the right.

If only I had riches
 The poor should never need;
I envy not the miser
 With all his love of greed.

If only some would hearken
 When I wise counsel give,
It would not seem so futile
 For others' good to live.

If only God would let me
 In mine own way obey,
I could be His disciple
 And tread the narrow way.

········

Alas! these "ifs" are blotting
 A page that might be fair;
As God has set the copy,
 It should be writ—with care.