If Anyfin was Possible

if wishes were fishes we’d all cast nets
knot together jumpers, buckle school shoes into tackle
put pencil pots in socks to drag the tangles under
haul them up fulfilled with fishes, gasping in wonder

if dreams were streams my road would be a river
where motorboats speed faster than our minds
abandoned plans left in the parking spots
would hoist their sails and wake to lucky winds

if troubles were bubbles i’d spot my Dad
swimming home looking much sillier than sad
with a paper-clipped nose, his lips pressed closed
in a smile that no bubbles could escape

if laughter were a life raft we’d keep each other floating
having fun, telling tales ridiculous enough
to make the stormy waves double over at our joking
and the gale laugh itself out of puff

if wishes were fishes we’d all cast nets
to catch our heart’s desires or to mend regrets
if anyfin was possible, I’d ask for Mum
and up from the depths of my memories, she’d come