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