Best Wishes

I wish you far from danger and despair

And further still from those who just don't care

I wish you shorter hours, better pay

I wish you luck in all you do and say

I wish the telephone would one day ring

And bring a voice not selling anything

I wish you brass in pocket, food on plate

And time at end of day to contemplate

Some days I wish your "No" had been a "Yes"

And often wish for more, and then for less

I wish we occupied a better place

In which war gleaned not glory but disgrace

I wish you jobs well done and comfy shoes

With music and whatever else you choose

And kindnesses and moments which amaze

To cruise you down the distance of your days

I wish you high ambition all your life

And strength when guilt cuts deep as any knife

I wish you distant journeys and returns

And wish you passion so intense it burns

I sometimes wish I liked myself much more

And we could cure what makes us insecure

I wish us doors which don't require keys

And wish us never forced down on our knees

However, I'd be satisfied with this

Us dazzled by one glimpse of gleaming bliss