To a Friend, Enjoying Success and Reward

If we could hark backward, old friend,
to the starting place of youth –
now so far behind us . . .
If we could each begin anew
exchanging paths and destinies
I hope to god I’d find the heart,
the courage to renege.
Better to bear my own life again
in all its bitterness
than to take your place
and live on,
knowing I had wished mine on you.