When

I wish I knew the way back home.
Through quiet rooms I often roam
with silent sounds and muted tones,
Forgotten thoughts that rang so clear --
Now precious few are held so dear.

I wish I knew what I knew then.
Warm summer days that couldn't end
Lying in the grass to play --
I never knew I couldn't stay;
I never knew there'd come a day.

While time unfolds and never ends
Our days are measured by our friends,
The sun, the stars, the moon, and us --
In the end you know we must
Take that ride and return to dust.

I wish I knew it wouldn't end.
I wish I knew
What I knew when.

The Otter

A sweeping diving twirling motion,
then sleeping, floating on the ocean.
One thing's pretty clear to see,
the otter  -- does not envy me.