If I had been the only choice, you would
have chosen me to be your closest friend
but there were others less misunderstood
and fitter for the future you would blend.
If I had been a smarter choice, you might
have wanted me to be your counselor
but there were others speaking your delight
and ready to your wishes to defer.

If I had been a kinder choice, you could
have welcomed me to be your mirror soul
but there were others praising your claimed good
and gently chaining you to their control.

If I had been a sharper choice, you ought
to have desired fire-tested iron wrought.