better

If I were better,
how would I be?
my lungs for a start
wouldn't hurl out
gunk and nonsense
and the things I say
would match my meanings
above all
match my touch

If I were better
I'd think in straight lines
and the lines would lead
like roman roads on a map
from one place to another
and where their branches
signposts clear direct
to a new place
you would want to be

If I were better
I'd be kinder
without thought and I'd
Do the things that
occurred to me and
the things that
occurred to me
would be coherent,
consistent with
love

If I were better
love would guide and
would not seep
from my blocked pores
but
flow from my head,
my heart, my finger tips
It would do the things
I'd want it to

If I were better.
how would I be?