if.
	If I could have stopped it. If. An if means a world of difference. An if, In any case, Can turn around an existence. “If I’d been someplace else.” “If I’d controlled myself.” “If I’d said something, anything.” An if, Even in its mere conjunctive existence, Means everything. “If I’d listened better.” “If I’d looked the other way.” “If I’d said ‘I love you’” And even now, The word if is being uttered, By 3 million sorry tongues around the world. “If I’d just stayed home...” “If I’d told her no...” “If I’d called him...” With each if, Is a regret. A regret so big, That it may reverse everything. “If I had stood up for myself.” “If I’d told the truth.” “If I had been smarter.” The hope is... That then, things would be different. Things. A noun so general, That it encompasses all. “How did things get this way? Oh... if I had just listened.... this might not have happened. What if...” If. If only... “If only I had been more prepared.” “If only I was brave enough...” “If only...” Then maybe things would be different. But... that’s just an if. A simple...   insignificant...     little...     if.